Iran Claims Downing US Drone Over Bandar Abbas

Iran’s army said its air defenses shot down a U.S. LUCAS drone over Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz, but offered no details about the drone’s mission or the circumstances, and the claim has not been independently verified. The report came amid heightened tensions, as President Donald Trump raised the possibility of renewed military action while also leaving open a diplomatic deal. A report citing sources said U.S. military strike options for Iran had been prepared and would require White House approval; the Pentagon said it develops and presents options but declined to speculate about future operations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the prospect of another conflict would not change Tehran’s policies.