Iran sent an unmanned aerial vehicle towards a US aircraft carrier and also attempted to stop a tanker sailing under the American flag, with the aim of testing the reaction of the US Navy and demonstrating its military power.
Modern.az reports that this was stated in a report published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to the report, the first incident occurred on Tuesday in the waters of the Arabian Sea. An Iranian-owned reconnaissance-strike type "Shahed-129" unmanned aerial vehicle approached the US aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” and was intercepted and destroyed by a US Navy F-35C fighter jet.
A few hours later, Iranian fast boats, supported by an unmanned aerial vehicle, attempted to stop a tanker sailing under the US flag in the Persian Gulf. The incident was met with responsive measures by a US destroyer.
ISW analysts believe that these two episodes are consistent with a pattern of behavior referred to as “probing activities.” The purpose of such actions is not only to test the opponent's strength, positioning, and the nature of their reaction, but also to convey a political-military message. Analysts note that while it is unknown how close the drone approached the aircraft carrier, the reaction of the US strike group could provide Tehran with significant information regarding the US Navy's tactics for operating against unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the Institute's assessment, the simultaneous occurrence of the drone incident and the attempt to stop the tanker indicates Iran's intention to demonstrate its capabilities to counter US military activity at sea. ISW does not rule out that these events could be initial signs that Tehran might initiate an escalation at sea with the aim of deterring a potential US strike.
The report emphasizes that the "Shahed-129" is a reconnaissance-strike type unmanned aerial vehicle and differs from "Shahed-136" kamikaze drones. It is noted that Iran has actively used this type of UAV for reconnaissance in the Middle East and for strikes against Israeli, as well as US targets.
