Bangladesh, Feb. 4 -- The United States military said on Tuesday that it shot down an Iranian drone after it "aggressively approached" a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said an F-35C fighter jet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln shot down the drone in self-defence to protect the carrier and its crew. The warship was operating about 500 miles from the Iranian coast at the time, and the drone's intent was described as unclear.

No US personnel were injured and no equipment was damaged in the incident, Hawkins said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran as the US continues to strengthen its military presence in the region. President Donald T...