Iran Claims Downed Israeli Drones; Sophisticated 'Hermes' Captured Intact

According to reports from the Tasnim News Agency, the drone was conducting surveillance and violated Iranian airspace before being neutralized by defense systems.

The IRGC further asserted that within the last 24 hours alone, they have downed three such Hermes drones. Notably, one 'Hermes 900' model was reportedly captured almost entirely intact in Lorestan province. Since the commencement of 'Operation True Promise 4', Tehran claims to have intercepted between 20 to 35 US and Israeli unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This development comes at a time of peak volatility in the Middle East. While US Central Command (CENTCOM) reports strikes on over 2,000 targets inside Iran, Tehran has responded with waves of ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. The successful targeting of Elbit Systems' Hermes drones—multi-million dollar assets—is being hailed by Iran as a major strategic victory for its airspace sovereignty.