Iran has claimed that it successfully shot down a foreign “hostile drone” over the Gulf using a newly developed defence system, according to Iranian state media.

A report by Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency said military officials detected the drone late Monday night after it allegedly entered sensitive airspace over the Persian Gulf.

Iranian authorities said the drone was destroyed using an advanced domestically developed defence system, though they did not disclose technical details about the equipment.

In a statement, Iranian officials said the operation sent a clear message that no radar-evading drone could enter Gulf airspace undetected.

Officials described the incident as a demonstration of Iran’s air sovereignty and defence preparedness, saying it reflected the country’s capability to respond swiftly to potential regional threats.

Strait of Hormuz traffic

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities said maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained normal despite ongoing regional tensions.

According to officials, all ships that had been granted permits were expected to complete their transit through the strategic waterway by late Tuesday.

Authorities added that shipping operations were continuing routinely under organised monitoring and security arrangements in the strait.

Separately, the Iranian navy announced that 32 vessels had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the past 24 hours under the supervision and coordination of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iranian media said the vessels included oil tankers, container ships and other commercial cargo carriers.

Officials said the key waterway remained partially restricted for general maritime movement due to the prevailing regional situation, while selected vessels were being allowed passage after review and approval of requests.