Iran says it shot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Strait of Hormuz

Iran shot down a US combat drone over the Strait of Hormuz early on Tuesday, according to a report by the Tasnim news agency.

The MQ-9 Reaper drone was hit and destroyed by a new, advanced air defence system, Tasnim reported.

According to the agency, Iranian forces have destroyed more than 50 drones of this type since the war began.

There was no immediate confirmation from the US military. Such claims generally cannot be independently verified.

Since launching attacks on Iran in late February, the United States has lost or sustained damage to a total of 81 aircraft and drones, according to a recent report by the US Congressional Research Service.

The cost of replacing the lost equipment was estimated at between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion.