Iran says it targeted US naval drone in Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions

Iran said on Sunday that its forces had targeted a US naval drone as it attempted to enter the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region escalate once again.

In a statement shared by state TV, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had launched an attack on an "unmanned surface vessel" off the south coast of Iran as it was about to enter the strategic waterway.

“The aggressor United States must understand that it has no choice but to leave the region and stop its acts of mischief,” the statement read.

It comes after the IRGC said it had also carried out strikes on three oil tankers and three US-linked vessels in the Strait.

The force has also warned ships against attempts to navigate the passage - a crucial oil and gas transit chokepoint - through unapproved routes.

The incidents are the latest flashpoints in renewed confrontation between the two nations.

On Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces had struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to what it said were ballistic missile strikes launched by the IRGC against two navy warships.

"Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask," it said in a statement. "American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship".

"A U.S. aircraft carrier and guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks. No American personnel were harmed," it added.

CENTCOM has also shared video footage on social media appearing to show the strikes.

The conflict reignited last Sunday after US forces targeted Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC later confirmed strikes had hit Larak Island, before launching retaliatory attacks on US bases across the Middle East.

On Saturday, Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, issued a warning to Tehran and its oil fleet in the wake of the strikes.

"Let the message to the IRGC be clear: If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost —taking out three of yours. We will not hesitate to defend American forces, and if necessary, destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet," he said.