Iran reports that its forces have shot down what it says were two spy planes flying over the Persian Gulf.
The head of the air force unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, in announcing the action, did not say when the drone aircraft were shot down, or provide any evidence.
Hajizadeh said the drones had been used mainly in neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan but that “some violations” against Iranian territory have occurred. He added that Iran’s forces have downed many “advanced spy planes” of the country’s “enemies,” apparently referring to the United States.
There is no independent confirmation of the Iranian report.
Iran is at odds with major powers because of its nuclear activities.
The United Nations imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran last year for its refusal to stop enriching uranium. Other world bodies, including the United States, have imposed additional penalties.
Iran denies that its nuclear program is used for anything but peaceful purposes.
