Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim to have downed two U.S. drones near Qeshm Island after explosions were reported in the area

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced on Tuesday that they had shot down two American reconnaissance drones near Qeshm Island, amid an American military operation reported by international publications. The incident took place in the Strait of Hormuz area, a strategic point for maritime traffic and global oil transportation.

In a statement sent by the state-run Irna news agency, the Iranian elite force claimed that the drones had been intercepted after the United States allegedly attempted to achieve its objectives by using them. The U.S. Central Command has so far provided no information about the alleged attack and has not confirmed the Iranian claim.

Irna also reported that five consecutive explosions were heard near the island, which local sources said could have resulted from an impact inside the island. Local authorities have not confirmed the origin of the explosions.

Qeshm is home to an underground missile facility, a naval base, and a major desalination plant. According to The Wall Street Journal, the United States allegedly carried out attacks on the island on Monday, described by U.S. officials as defensive operations intended to reduce Iran’s threats to commercial shipping. Other sources indicated that the action may have been a response to the attack on an American military aircraft in the region.