Iran recently shot down at least two MQ-1 American military drones, US officials say - report

What Happened

On Thursday, CBS News reported, citing two anonymous US officials familiar with the matter, that Iranian fire shot down at least two General Atomics MQ-1 US military drones in recent days. The officials said it was not yet clear where the drones were shot down or which MQ-1 variants were involved; the variant matters because the older Predator variant is worth about $4 million, while the newer Gray Eagle is worth tens of millions of dollars each. Citing a Congressional Budget Office report, CBS stated that the US military has lost about $720 million since the start of Operation Epic Fury through the downing of at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones, plus an additional $150 million from the loss of an MQ-4C Triton. US Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to comment. The CBS report follows Tuesday claims by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB that Iran shot down an MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, and an Al Jazeera report that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) downed a similar drone over the international waterway.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The reported downings, if confirmed, mark another direct Iranian action against US military assets, raising the risk of escalation in the Persian Gulf. The possible location over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for global oil transit—signals an intent to contest US reconnaissance there. The cost figures highlight the financial exposure of sustained US drone operations, particularly if newer Gray Eagle variants are involved.

Watch For

Monitor whether CENTCOM or the Pentagon confirms the two MQ-1 losses and identifies the variants and locations; whether Iran's IRGC releases footage or wreckage of downed drones; whether additional drone shootdowns occur over the Strait of Hormuz or nearby waters; and any US military or diplomatic response to the reported incidents.