US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that an Iranian drone threatened US Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and was subsequently shot down. The incident may be further strained for the situation in the Persian Gulf.
Trump said at the White House that the drone flew near the Hornets-level USS Boxer LHD-4 in a 1000-yard range, which he considered to be the latest provocative and hostile act of Iran’s vessels sailing in international waters. The United States has the right to defend people, facilities and interests.
He pointed out that the drone had been shot down immediately, but did not disclose the details.
The US Department of Defense issued a statement later that the action was a defensive measure, but did not mean that the drone was owned by Iran.
The situation in the Persian Gulf has been heating up for a long time, and the outside world is worried that there may be a military conflict between the United States and Iraq.
The United States criticized Iran for attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the oil-shelter road since mid-May, but Tehran denied the charges.