U.S. Spy Drone Tracked Near Iran as Attack Prospects Grow

A United States military drone has been tracked flying very close to Iranian airspace, according to flight data.

Information from FlightRadar24, captured the moment a U.S. MQ-4C reconnaissance drone crossed into the area around Iran's southern border.

Newsweek has reached out to Iran's Foreign Minister and the U.S. Navy for comment via email.
Why It Matters

The U.S. has recently escalated reconnaissance operations and drone activity near Iran amid growing regional tensions between Iran and Israel. Last month, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) flew B-52 bombers over the Middle East, in what was widely seen as a show of force towards Tehran.

President Donald Trump's administration seeks to halt Iran's uranium enrichment, emphasizing diplomatic negotiations over military action. However, the increased U.S. military presence suggests a strategy of applying pressure on Tehran, raising concerns over potential escalation in the region.

What To Know

Flightradar24 data indicates that a U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone, tail number 169659, departed from the United Arab Emirates on March 3. The aircraft appeared to have flown into Iranian airspace but that has not been verified by Newsweek. However, it is certain that the drone flew close to Iran's Kish Island, home to several Iranian naval bases. After approximately 12 hours in flight, the drone vanished from radar tracking.
What is a MQ-4C Drone?

The MQ-4C Triton, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle designed for persistent maritime surveillance. Capable of remaining airborne for over 24 hours, the Triton is equipped with advanced sensors, including a radar that enables 360-degree surveillance over vast areas. This technology makes it a crucial asset in the U.S. Navy's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Shot Down in 2019

Iran shot down a MQ-4C Triton in June 2019. Officials said the drone was flying over southern Iran, specifically the Hormozgan province, which lies on the Persian Gulf. At the time Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the "spy" aircraft was brought down by a surface-to-air missile. While Iran said the drone had violated their airspace, the U.S. said that it was operating in international airspace.

Iran and Trump's Re-election

In recent months, things have changed drastically for Iran following Trump's return to the White House. Iran's Supreme Leader initially appeared to open the door to negotiations with the West but Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed them again in February, calling discussions with Washington neither "smart, wise, nor honorable."

Trump, while suggesting he is willing to talk with Tehran, also has embarked on a renewed "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's economy.
What People Are Saying

The Sprinter Observer account on X posted: "Unprecedented Western intelligence activity near Iran's borders. The US has significantly stepped up its reconnaissance activity in recent days, and it continues today."

Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow, Center for International Policy told Newsweek: "There is no appetite in America to start another endless war in the Middle East, after the failures of Afghanistan and Iraq."
What Happens Next

The U.S. military is likely to continue its reconnaissance operations near Iranian borders, while diplomatic efforts will focus on de-escalation. Given the increased tensions in the region, any further incursions or confrontations could lead to heightened military activity or negotiations to avoid conflict.