In a recent development that has escalated tensions in the Central Arabian Gulf, an Iranian drone exhibited unsafe behavior by flying perilously close to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), as reported by the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) in last Wednesday’s statement.

The incident occurred during routine flight operations conducted by the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on Tuesday, November 28.

Details of the Incident

Central Command’s release highlighted that the drone, later identified as Iranian, breached safety protocols by coming within 1,500 yards of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Despite repeated warnings issued by the US Navy, the drone disregarded these alerts, persisting in its unsafe maneuvers, raising concerns about the potential risks posed to the lives of US and partner nation personnel in the region.

“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks US and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” emphasized the Central Command release, stressing the need for Iran to halt such actions to ensure regional stability and maritime security.

Context of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group

The presence of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group in Central Command’s area of response is part of America’s strategic reaction to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Additionally, it is a response to recent strikes targeting US coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, which the Pentagon attributes to Iranian-backed proxy groups.