Iran Rejects U.S. Claims That Two of Their Drones Have Been Downed

Eric Schaffer | July 25, 2019
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Last Thursday, President Donald Trump announced in the White House’s East Room that the U.S.S. Boxer had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the Iranian aircraft had come within 1,000 yards of the U.S. ship and received several orders to stand down.

This Tuesday, U.S. General Kenneth McKenzie said he believed the U.S. had instead taken down two drones-- not one.

"As always it was a complex tactical picture, we believe two drones. We believe two drones were successfully — there may have been more that we are not aware of — those are the two that we engaged successfully," McKenzie said.

But Iran denies U.S. assertions, with Iran's Defense Minister, Gen. Amir Hatami, claiming no Iranian drones have been brought down by any U.S. forces. "If someone claims, he should provide evidence… none of our drones have been intercepted."

Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), doubled down on these sentiments, saying:

"I officially declare that no Iranian or IRGC drone has been downed… I strongly assert that it is a big lie, and we have proved it too. We have proved whatever we have done and enemies should prove their claims as well."

With top Iranian officials calling what they claim to be a U.S. bluff, one must wonder if the Navy will indeed produce greater evidence of their victories over Iranian drones, or if they will dismiss Iran’s counters as mere prattling.

 

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