Iran: US Navy reportedly brings down Iranian drone over Strait of Hormuz July 18

Event

US President Donald Trump indicated on Thursday, July 18, that the US Navy had destroyed an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz in a reported defensive action. The USS Boxer reportedly brought down the drone using electronic jamming equipment after it had encroached on the vessel and ignored calls to stand down. The Iranian government has not immediately commented on the incident.

Further incidents involving Iranian and Western forces are likely in the coming weeks and months; an escalation of provocative activity is also possible and may affect shipping and flight routes in the area.

Context

Tensions between Iran and the West, as well as Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries, have escalated in recent months. In June 2019, Iranian forces were blamed for attacking two oil tankers that were traversing the Straits of Hormuz. Later that month, a US military drone in the area was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missiles. 

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to keep abreast of the geopolitical situation.