US-Iran War: Iran’s army on Sunday said it shot down a US Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drone over the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The announcement, which comes after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch fresh strikes against Tehran in a day has raised concerns. Amid diplomatic efforts, involving Pakistan and Qatar, struggling to produce a breakthrough, the latest incident adds to fears that the conflict could enter another dangerous phase.

Iran Downs US Drone

According to Iran’s army, its air defence systems destroyed the American drone while operating under the country’s integrated air defence network. Bandar Abbas, which lies near the Strait of Hormuz, is a major route for global oil and gas shipments. While Washington weighs further military action, it has also signaled that diplomatic settlement remains possible. However, the lack of progress in negotiations has increased uncertainty over whether the conflict can be stopped.

Trump Warns Of Fresh Strikes

Earlier on Saturday, Trump stated that the US was considering another attack on Iran, leaving open the possibility of military action as soon as Sunday. When asked about a possible strike, he said, “Do you really think I'd tell you that. Maybe tomorrow... There's a possibility I will. There's also a possibility we'll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement. They want to make a deal, but the problem is, will they hold the deal?”

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Iran Blames US

Amid uncertainty, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also accused Washington of derailing earlier negotiations over an interim agreement. “We were ⁠having negotiations, the cowards (Americans) messed everything ⁠up...I still think we should ⁠go and conclude it,” he said in remarks broadcast on state television. Iran has also indicated that it remains open to negotiations through Pakistani mediation.

While Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moghadam had earlier stated that Tehran was prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington lifted its naval blockade, an IRGC-affiliated outlet rejected reports on Sunday.

How Will Further Escalation Impact?

Any fresh US strike can trigger retaliation, leading to further disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions since the last seven months have already raised concerns about fuel supplies and maritime security. An Iranian official has also warned that, if attacked again, Tehran could target undersea communication cables and military bases, including covert facilities.

With no clear breakthrough over a peace deal in sight and conflicting statements from both sides, a change in course of the conflict will depend on the scale of any US action, Iran’s response and whether mediators can revive talks before tensions spiral further.

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