Iranian Drone Approaches US Ship, Gets Shot Down

In the Middle East, the U.S. military says it shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American ship in the region. At the same time, multiple countries in the Middle East are making efforts to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Entity's Jason Perry has the details. Several U.S. warships have been positioned in the Middle East for at least a week now amid tensions with Iran. President Trump has suggested taking military action against Iran if it cannot reach a nuclear deal with the United States. In further escalation, on Tuesday, Iranian forces sent a military drone toward a U.S. aircraft carrier that was transiting about 500 miles south of Iran. In a statement to NTD, the United States Central Command said a U.S. F-35 fighter jet shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel onboard. No U.S. service members were injured during the incident. The U.S. Central Command said Iran's unnecessary aggression near U.S. forces increases the risk of regional destabilization. However, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson said this about de-escalation efforts amid U.S.-Iran tensions. I can assure you that we are working in tandem with all of our neighbors, working all together in tandem to make sure that we de-escalate and we protect our region and make sure that there are no more escalations in our region. And on the same day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh for talks. A diplomatic advisor to the president of the United Arab Emirates, also on Tuesday, said he would like to see Iran and the U.S. negotiate directly and reach a nuclear deal. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added this about possible talks between the U.S. and Iran. I think they may come away with some set of understandings, but to think that there's a long-term solution that actually provides stability and peace to this region while the Ayatollah is still in power is something I pray for but find unimaginable. The United States is also speaking with partners in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he met with U.S. envoy Steve Whitkoff on Monday and spoke about various issues in the Middle East, including Iran. Netanyahu said he clarified his position, saying, quote, Iran has proven time and again that its promises cannot be relied upon. A senior advisor to Iran's supreme leader on the same day said that Iran will never seek a nuclear weapon, and without elaborating, said the U.S. must pay a price for this. Jason Perry, NTD News.