Iran Shoots Down Reconnaissance Drone Over Hormuz Amid 'War of Statements'

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Amid the escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, the Iranian army announced on Sunday evening the downing of a reconnaissance drone of the "Orbiter" type over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian army stated that the drone was hit and destroyed at 18:30 local time, using local air defense systems, specifying that the downing operation took place over the Strait of Hormuz, in the southeastern region of the country, according to the Iranian news agency "IRNA."

The Iranian announcement of the downing of the drone comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with Iranian warnings about the United States' readiness to resume combat operations against Iran.

The unified combat command of the Iranian forces stated earlier today that Tehran received information indicating that the United States is preparing to resume combat operations, warning that "any American attack will be followed by continuous strikes on American bases and interests."

Later, the Iranian Shura Council President Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that his country had conveyed, through intermediaries, its conditions to the American side for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "unless these conditions are met, the legitimate rights of the Iranian people are recognized, and American commitments are implemented, there will be no window to return to the previous negotiation conditions or to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.",

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump said that "something big may happen very soon regarding Iran," explaining that the options available to him include "wiping out Iran," allowing it to "rot economically," or reaching a "deal and agreement.",

Trump also issued new warnings to the Iranian authorities, hinting at the possibility of "blowing up all of Iran," telling Iranian officials: "It would be better for them to behave properly.",

It is noteworthy that since the outbreak of the war on Iran on February 28, attempts to stop the fighting have continued, before Washington and Tehran, with Pakistani mediation, reached a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at a ceasefire and opening the way for negotiations on a broader settlement, including the Iranian nuclear program and easing sanctions.

However, the agreement did not last long, as both sides exchanged accusations of violating its terms, and strikes resumed in late June, before Trump announced the end of the truce in July, while military and economic confrontations between the two sides continued.