Media: U.S. shoots down Iranian drones heading for Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military has reportedly intercepted and destroyed at least three Iranian drones that were en route to the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which occurred overnight, was confirmed to CNN by an unnamed American official. According to the official, Iran had dispatched multiple drones toward the strategic waterway. The United States has not yet officially confirmed the drone downing. Iran has also remained silent on the matter. Coinciding with the drone report, Iran's Mehr news agency stated that warning shots were fired near the Strait of Hormuz, which Reuters suggested might be related to the movement of U.S. vessels. This event follows a period of increased tension, including an initial wave of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, which led Iran to implement a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global gas and oil transport. The U.S. has also maintained a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, preventing ships from accessing or departing Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.