TEHRAN, JULY 20, 2026 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over western Iran, according to multiple reports circulating on social media and Iranian outlets.
The claim comes as the latest in a series of similar announcements from Iranian military sources over recent days. On July 19, Iran’s Army Air Defense Force reported intercepting and destroying an American MQ-9 drone and a U.S. cruise missile in the western region of the country.
Earlier the same day, the IRGC separately claimed to have downed another MQ-9 drone over the southern province of Bushehr. Some recent reports and social media posts have specified locations such as areas near Ahvaz in Khuzestan province or western regions including Kermanshah province (e.g., near Islamabad-e Gharb).
These Iranian claims occur amid reports of continued U.S. military operations against Iranian targets. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has been conducting multiple nights of strikes on Iranian military sites, including air defense, missile, and maritime capabilities.
The developments follow earlier rounds of exchanges in July 2026, during which Iran has repeatedly claimed successful drone shootdowns while accusing the U.S. of aggression, and the U.S. has described its actions as responses to Iranian threats or violations of understandings.
The United States has not publicly confirmed or commented on the specific loss of MQ-9 drones in these latest incidents.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a U.S. military medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Iranian forces have claimed multiple successful engagements against such drones in recent weeks using air defense systems.
Iranian state media and military statements have framed these incidents as defensive responses to U.S. airstrikes. Western and independent verification of the drone shootdowns remains limited at this stage.
The situation remains fluid as both sides continue operations and issue statements. No independent confirmation of the latest claimed shootdown has been widely reported as of the latest updates.
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