Iran claims it destroyed a US MQ9 drone above Qeshm Island

Iran says it shot a US MQ9 drone out of the sky over Qeshm Island. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported the interception, and Army Public Relations said the aircraft was destroyed by the army's modern air defense systems operating under the country's integrated air defense network.

The claim lands hours after explosions and missile impacts were reported around Qeshm and Bandar Khamir in southern Iran. Fars News Agency said the nature of the blasts was unclear and suggested they could be tied to warning shots fired at the Strait of Hormuz. Fars also said at least six advanced US reconnaissance drones have been hunted down or captured over the Strait in recent days.

CENTCOM struck a cooler tone, telling Al Jazeera it is aware of reports of missile impacts and describing the situation around Qeshm as relatively calm. The command declined further comment but said it will put out an official announcement on Iran at 8:30 am EST on Saturday.

Pressure is stacking up on other fronts too. The US Treasury sanctioned a string of Canadian money-service businesses — including Diverse Trade Inc., Nia Nations Currency Ltd., Darvish Exchange, CCC Inc. and B. Galaxy Inc. — over alleged involvement in or support for Iran.

President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, claiming that Israel and the entire Middle East would not exist today if he hadn't stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue through Qatari mediators, who have already said a perfect deal won't be possible.