Iran downs US drone following fresh missile strikes

State media reported that two explosions were heard in the Suza area near the Strait of Hormuz, with local witnesses observing incoming projectiles following the sound of aircraft overhead. Authorities have yet to release official casualty or damage assessments pending further investigation.

Hours after the reported strikes, Iran's state broadcaster IRIB announced that the country's defense forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Qeshm Island. This followed earlier reports by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) regarding the downing of an MQ-1 drone in the same airspace near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s International Media Office dismissed reports claiming that ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran had collapsed. In a statement on Saturday, the Qatari Prime Minister affirmed that both sides are continuing discussions toward an agreement, with Doha maintaining active mediation efforts alongside Washington and Tehran.

-SA