US-Iran drone incident raises fresh doubts over planned talks

A tense aerial encounter between the United States and Iran on Tuesday has cast uncertainty over the prospects of upcoming talks between the two rivals.

Iranian media reported that a drone operated by Iran’s armed forces had completed a surveillance mission in international waters, monitoring military movements near the country and transmitting data in real time. The semi-official Tasnim news agency later said Iran had lost contact with one of its drones, adding that the cause was under investigation.

Earlier, the US Central Command said a US F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in the Arabian Sea after it “aggressively approached” the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The carrier was operating in international waters about 800 kilometres from Iran’s coast. The US military said the action was taken in self-defence and that no personnel or equipment were harmed.

The incident comes as tentative diplomatic efforts appeared to be taking shape. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had instructed the Foreign Ministry to pursue “fair and equitable” negotiations with the United States, following regional requests to respond to a proposal from US President Donald Trump. He said any talks must be based on dignity and prudence.

Iranian officials said consultations were underway to finalise a venue for possible talks in the coming days, with Turkey and Oman among countries offering to host. Media reports suggested Tehran prefers direct talks with Washington, possibly in Oman.

However, Israel has voiced strong opposition to any engagement. Israeli officials reiterated that Iran cannot be trusted and pressed the US to take a tougher stance on Tehran’s missile and nuclear programmes.

Tensions have also risen between Iran and the European Union after the bloc designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, prompting Tehran to label EU militaries as terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities said 139 foreign nationals were arrested during recent protests linked to economic hardship, which Tehran blamed on foreign interference.

Source: Xinhua/UNB