U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday that a U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea. The engagement occurred approximately 500 miles from the southern coast of Iran as the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Donald Trump says he remains hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran, but warns that if talks fail, “we’ll find out” what happens next. His comments come hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war in the Middle East. Tensions are rising as the United States deploys the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with a powerful fleet of warships to the Persian Gulf, placing American forces within striking distance of Iran. The Pentagon says the buildup is meant to deter aggression, while keeping all military options on the table.