Iran's IRGC says it shot down three US drones near Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it shot down three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz, including an MQ-9, amid heightened military tensions with Washington. The IRGC said it used electronic warfare to down two MQM-170 reconnaissance drones south of Qeshm Island, bringing the total captured of that type to four, and separately intercepted an MQ-9 east of the strait. The claims come as US President Donald Trump said oil prices dropped nearly $10 per barrel on expectations of a diplomatic deal, stating Iran wants a settlement soon. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about progress toward a negotiated agreement, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared for both diplomacy and military confrontation. Iranian officials reiterated demands for an end to the US naval blockade and said the next move depends on Washington's willingness to negotiate, with Tehran having presented its conditions and a proposed diplomatic plan.