Claim
A later IRNA report, citing the IRGC Navy, said a US reconnaissance and decoy drone was instead captured intact west of the strait after its guidance and control systems were taken over.
Attributed to IRGC Navy on IRNA
Evidence
Searches found that IRNA English, Tasnim and Anadolu Agency all reported the IRGC Navy statement. IRNA's report (en.irna.ir/news/86306801) says the IRGC Navy captured a US reconnaissance and decoy drone intact west of the Strait of Hormuz after taking control of its guidance and control systems. The drone was identified as an MQM-170. The IRGC Navy said its electronic warfare unit carried out the operation. Anadolu reported it as a separate statement that followed the earlier IRGC claim of an MQ-1 shootdown east of the strait. Eurasian Times and The Defense News headlines say the US rejected or denied the capture claim. I did not open the US denial text. I found no independent verification that the drone was actually captured or taken over by electronic warfare. I found no Reuters, AFP, Bellingcat or EUvsDisinfo fact-check.
Supporting sources
Assessment
The claim only says that IRNA reported an IRGC Navy statement, and IRNA's own article confirms that. The underlying assertion that the drone was captured is an unverified Iranian claim that the US reportedly denies.
Confidence
Some independent corroboration was found, but it isn't yet conclusive.
Timeline
Oct 30, 2026, 9:34 AM UTC
ConfirmedInitial assessment.
First observed Oct 30, 2026, 9:34 AM UTC · Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026, 9:34 AM UTC