Tehran, Iran – June 18, 2025
Iran’s Army air defense forces have reportedly shot down an advanced Israeli Hermes drone in the eastern region of Isfahan, amid rising hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers.
According to state media and military sources, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was intercepted during what Iranian officials described as a “hostile reconnaissance mission” in Iranian airspace. The drone, identified as part of Israel’s Hermes series, known for high-resolution surveillance and electronic warfare, was said to have been targeted by Iran’s air defense missile systems in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Hermes drone is one of Israel’s most advanced intelligence-gathering UAVs, with long-range flight capability and the capacity to carry sophisticated payloads. Its presence deep inside Iranian territory has further escalated an already fragile regional security landscape.
Iran’s military authorities claim the downing of the drone sends a clear message regarding the country’s defensive readiness. No casualties were reported, but the incident has intensified speculation about potential retaliatory actions.
There has been no official response from Israel at the time of this report. However, tensions remain high following a series of cross-border attacks and airstrikes that have drawn condemnation from various international stakeholders.
The region, still reeling from ongoing conflicts and proxy tensions, watches closely as both nations appear to be edging closer to a broader confrontation.
