February 4, 2026
US F-35 shoots down Iranian drone near aircraft carrier
Navy F-35 destroyed Shahed-139 approaching USS Abraham Lincoln; IRGC also harassed US tanker
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
A US F-35 fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea on Feb. 4, 2026. The drone approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. US Central Command spokesperson confirmed the aircraft carrier was transiting the Arabian Sea when the incident occurred.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Approximately one-third of global seaborne oil passes through the strait. Iran controls the northern coastline. It can deploy fast boats and drones to threaten commercial shipping.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps forces approached the M/V Stena Imperative on Feb. 4. The tanker flies a US flag. Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached at high speeds. US Central Command stated they 'threatened to board and seize the tanker.'
Navy Captain Tim Hawkins serves as a spokesperson for US Central Command. CENTCOM oversees military operations in the Middle East. Hawkins confirmed both incidents to reporters on Feb. 4.
The confrontations came amid broader US-Iran tensions. The Trump administration deployed additional carrier strike groups to the region in late January. Trump threatened military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities if negotiations fail.
Under the War Powers Resolution, the president can order defensive military action without congressional approval. Protecting US ships from immediate threats falls under defensive authority. Offensive strikes against Iran would require congressional authorization or a declaration of war.
Iran has increased harassment of US commercial vessels following Trump's threats. The IRGC operates independently from Iran's regular military. It reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, not President Pezeshkian.
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
People, bills, and sources
Daniel Keeler
USS Abraham Lincoln Captain
Donald Trump
President
Karoline Leavitt
White House Press Secretary
Steve Witkoff
Special Envoy for Iran
Brad Cooper
CENTCOM Commander
John Phelan
Navy Secretary
Pete Hegseth
Defense Secretary
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian President
Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister
What you can do
1
civic action
Support diplomatic de-escalation with Iran
Advocate for continued diplomatic negotiations between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials to prevent military escalation and protect regional stability.
2
civic action
Monitor U.S. military deployments to Middle East
Track and question military deployments and actions in the Persian Gulf to ensure proper congressional oversight and prevent unnecessary escalation.
3
civic action
Support protections for commercial shipping
Advocate for stronger protections for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf against Iranian harassment and threats.
4
civic action
Demand congressional war powers consultation
Urge Congress to exercise its war powers authority and require presidential consultation before any military strikes against Iran.
5
civic action
Support veterans of Middle East conflicts
Donate to or volunteer with organizations supporting veterans who serve in high-tension deployments like the Persian Gulf and face ongoing psychological impacts.
6
civic action
Join peace and security advocacy groups
Connect with organizations working to prevent unnecessary military conflicts and promote diplomatic solutions to international tensions.