Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced late Monday that its air defenses had shot down two United States-made MQ-9 Reaper drones over Isfahan province. The IRGC described the interceptions as occurring over the central Iranian city, which hosts sensitive nuclear facilities, using an advanced integrated air defense system.

The claim came amid the ongoing U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, which began in early March. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted strikes on over 1,000 Iranian targets, including military and nuclear sites, leading to significant losses on both sides. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Israel.

Iranian state media reported the latest drone shootdown as happening "a few minutes ago" in one statement, with the IRGC emphasizing the effectiveness of its defenses. Social media posts from Iranian outlets and observers circulated footage purportedly showing the drones being hit, though independent verification remains unavailable.

This is not the first such incident over Isfahan. On March 6, Iranian forces claimed to have downed another MQ-9 Reaper near the city, with wreckage footage published by state media. U.S. officials have acknowledged losses of more than a dozen MQ-9 Reapers since the conflict's start, though specific details on causes and locations are often classified or under investigation. Earlier reports indicated three drones downed in the war's initial phase, including one off Iran's coast and another by Qatari friendly fire.

The Pentagon has not immediately commented on Monday's Iranian claim. U.S. Central Command continues operations, reporting the destruction of Iranian naval assets in the Gulf of Oman and establishment of air superiority over southern Iran.

Iran has tallied higher numbers in broader claims, stating it downed 82 American and Israeli drones by mid-March, including MQ-9s, Hermes, and Orbiters in regions like Isfahan and Kerman. Later figures from Tehran reached 104 drones during the operation's early days.

The MQ-9 Reaper, valued at around $30 million each, is a key U.S. asset for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested areas. Its vulnerability to advanced air defenses has been highlighted in the conflict, prompting discussions on evolving drone warfare tactics.

Tensions remain high, with over 50,000 U.S. troops in the region and threats of further escalation involving the Strait of Hormuz.