Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Monday that it intercepted and destroyed a US Army MQ-1 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media.
The IRGC said the drone was brought down by its new advanced aerospace air defence system, operating as part of Iran’s integrated air defence network, Mehr News Agency reported.
The force claimed Washington had returned the MQ-1 to service after suffering heavy losses among its MQ-9 fleet.
It said the MQ-1, known as the “Beast of Kandahar” after logging about 20,000 flight hours over Afghanistan, had been retired from US military service and replaced by the MQ-9.
After the destruction of a large portion of the MQ-9 fleet, the US has been forced to use this drone, the IRGC said.
US says ‘door is open’ for Iran to return to negotiations
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said on Sunday that the “door is open” for Iran to return to negotiations to end the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at an Al-Monitor Live event in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Waltz said the Trump administration believes time is on its side in the war on Iran, which began February 28.
“I do believe that to be the case,” Waltz said when asked by Al-Monitor senior adviser Andrew Parasiliti whether Washington believes time is on its side.
He added that the “door is open for Iran to come back to the negotiating table,” while dismissing as “fantastical” reports that Tehran has demanded an end to US sanctions and reparations as conditions for renewed talks.
“The Iranian regime is at its weakest point since 1979 and it’s getting weaker,” Waltz said, citing economic pressure and the collapse of Iran’s currency. “They’re going to come back [to talks], I hope peacefully and diplomatically.”
Peace in Gaza
On Gaza, Waltz described the administration’s approach as a “new type of multilateralism” and said talks with Israel on implementing President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan could “move forward after the elections are settled,” referring to Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election.
The plan includes a Palestinian technocratic administration, reconstruction and an International Stabilisation Force, while negotiations over Hamas’ disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal have stalled.
Waltz claimed there were “prospective members” interested in joining the Abraham Accords, to normalise relations with Israel, but did not name them.
He also welcomed Israel and Morocco’s decision earlier this month to exchange ambassadors.
