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Tehran: Tension escalated in the Arabian Sea between the United States and Iran as a US F-35 fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that had aggressively approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. According to a US Central Command spokesperson, the incident has led to concerns about a possible conflict in the region.

As per the US official, the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was transiting the Arabian Sea around 500 miles from Iran's southern coast when the Iranian drone proceeded towards the ship, leading to a defensive response from the US military. "USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was transiting the Arabian Sea approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast when an Iranian Shahed-139 drone unnecessarily maneuvered toward the ship," the spokesman said.

The US military described the drone's approach as aggressive and unnecessary, with unclear intent. The F-35 fighter jet, launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln, successfully intercepted and destroyed the drone, ensuring the safety of the ship and its crew. "CENTCOM forces are operating at the highest levels of professionalism and ensuring the safety of US personnel, ships, and aircraft in the Middle East," said Capt. Tim Hawkins, US Central Command Spokesman.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran's readiness for talks with the US on its nuclear programme, amidst reports of possible meetings between US and Iranian officials in Istanbul. "Iran has always been ready for diplomacy, provided there is mutual respect and consideration of interests," Araghchi said.

The incident comes as the US has deployed major military assets to the region, including three aircraft carriers, amid rising tensions with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is part of a larger US naval presence that is deterring hostilities and safeguarding maritime security in the Arabian Sea and beyond.

In the meantime, Iran's Abbas Araghchi had been in touch with counterparts in Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman about regional stability before a US Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Hours later, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly harassed a merchant vessel, Stena Imperative, with two boats and a drone, threatening to board and seize it. The US destroyer USS McFaul responded, escorting the vessel to safety with air support.

Tensions are escalating between the US and Iran, with the US military building up its presence in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, along with several destroyers, has arrived, bringing 5,700 additional service members. US military cargo planes are also heading to the region.

Iran's president has instructed his foreign minister to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" with the US, amid talks of a possible deal. US President Trump has expressed hope for a deal, saying "if we could work something out, that'd be great. And if we can't, probably bad things would happen".

The US military is increasing its presence in the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arriving, bringing 5700 additional service members. The group joins 3 destroyers and 3 littoral combat ships already there. Dozens of US military cargo planes are also heading to the region, similar to last year's buildup before the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. The US has several bases in the Middle East, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts thousands of American troops and is the forward headquarters for US Central Command.