Iran claims to have captured a US 'sail drone' near Hormuz Strait

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have captured a US-operated surface drone at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, sparking tensions between the two nations. The Iranian navy's strike occurred on Tuesday, and Iranian authorities say they have secured the drone. The US-operated surface drone, which resembles a sailboat in shape, was reportedly used for reconnaissance purposes. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of navigation through the sensitive waterway. The US has yet to respond to Iran's claim, but the Pentagon has issued a statement saying it is aware of the incident. The US Navy is currently patrolling the region to ensure the free flow of commerce, according to a US official. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, which have been escalating since the US drone strike in Yemen in January. The US drone strike killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, leading to a retaliatory missile strike by Iran. The incident has also raised questions about the security of US naval operations in the region. The International Maritime Bureau has warned of increased piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Iran. The US and Iran have a long history of competing interests in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for global oil supplies.