Iran claims to have shot down advanced Israeli Hermes UAV Drone
The war between Israel and Iran has reached its sixth day and continues to escalate. Overnight on Tuesday, Iran launched attacks on various areas in Tel Aviv and the Golan Heights, which are Israeli-occupied territories.
In retaliation, Israel launched counterattacks targeting multiple sites, including Imam Hussein University in the Iranian capital, Tehran, a facility believed to be used for military training and research. Iran then responded by attacking the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
According to reports from Tehran, Iran claims to have identified sites used by Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, for launching drones and conducting espionage. Iran reports having shot down a large Israeli drone of the Hermes UAV type, one of the most advanced drones manufactured by Israel, used in precision strikes. The drone is estimated to be worth between $18 million and $30 million.
Israel, in turn, confirmed it continued to strike Iranian facilities, specifically targeting uranium enrichment infrastructure, which is a critical part of Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to lay down its arms without further conditions. He stated: “We control Iran’s skies. They don’t have the tools to resist us.” Trump added that the chances of the U.S. staying out of the conflict are rapidly diminishing.
These comments have escalated tensions further and prompted responses from other players involved in the conflict.
The Houthi movement in Yemen, which is allied with Iran, warned that if the U.S. intervenes in support of Israel, they will attack American assets. Iran also hinted at a possible escalation, suggesting it could begin targeting U.S. military bases in the region, especially in neighboring countries.
Signs of U.S. military readiness have increased, as American military fuel tanker aircraft have departed from bases in Europe and are heading toward the Middle East. These aircraft are capable of refueling combat jets like the F-16, F-22, and F-35, as reported by intelligence sources.
It is also reported that U.S. troops stationed in countries surrounding Iran are now on high alert, preparing for any eventualities.
