White House: We acted appropriately by downing the Iranian drone.

03.02.2026 23:07

The first statement from the U.S. regarding the downing of an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea has arrived. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, "We acted appropriately by downing the Iranian drone. Discussions with Iran are continuing as planned."

After the U.S. shot down the Iranian drone, the White House spokesperson stated, "We acted appropriately by shooting down the Iranian drone. Discussions with Iran are continuing as planned."

FIRST STATEMENT FROM THE U.S. THAT SHOT DOWN THE IRANIAN DRONE

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt made a statement following the downing of the Iranian drone in the Gulf of Oman. Leavitt said, "We acted appropriately by shooting down the Iranian drone. Discussions with Iran are continuing as planned."

CENTCOM: SHOT DOWN UNDER LEGITIMATE SELF-DEFENSE

Officials from CENTCOM, speaking to American Fox News, claimed that the drone, which they stated belonged to Iran, was shot down by an F-35C fighter jet under "legitimate self-defense."

"MANEUVERED TOWARDS THE SHIP UNNECESSARILY"

CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins also stated, "While the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was sailing approximately 500 miles (800 km) away from Iran's southern coast in the Arabian Sea, an Iranian Shahed-139 drone maneuvered aggressively and unnecessarily towards the ship. An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone to defend itself and protect the aircraft carrier and the personnel on board. We will not tolerate Iran's harassment and threats."

The U.S. spokesperson noted that the ship was operating in international waters and added that they have taken necessary measures to prevent tensions from escalating with Iran.