Iran claims downing US drone over Bandar Abbas after Trump hints at renewed strikes

Iran on Sunday claimed its air defence system had shot down a US drone over the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, state media reported.The drone was identified as a Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a one-way attack drone, also known as a kamikaze or loitering drone, developed for the US armed forces, Reuters reported, citing Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.However, the report has not been independently verified.The arrives came after the US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of renewed military action against Iran as early as Sunday, while leaving open the possibility of a diplomatic agreement.Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Florida on Saturday, Trump said Iran wanted a deal to reopen the waterway but questioned whether Tehran would honour any agreement.“Do you really think I would tell you that? Maybe tomorrow... There's a possibility I will. There's also a possibility we'll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement,” Trump said when asked about the prospect of fresh strikes.Trump also reiterated his hardline stance towards Tehran at a campaign rally in Florida, warning that the US could launch another military operation if Iran failed to reach an agreement.“We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,” he said, referring to the previous US military campaign against Iran.On Sunday, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said a potential resumption of war with Israel and the United States would not change Tehran’s policies."Recently, there has been talk of a new war, but I am already thinking about the post-war period. Whether there is war or not, our policies remain the same," Araghchi said during a televised event in Tehran, AFP reported."They have already done so twice and have seen the results. If they want to try again, they know they will achieve no different outcome from those of the past," he added.Iran has claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the war and has regularly targeted vessels attempting to cross without its authorisation. The moves have drawn strong opposition from Washington and countries in the region.In response, the US has maintained a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports, including strategically important Bandar Abbas.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.