November 8th, 2012
02:00 PM ET

FIRST ON CNN: Iranian jets fire on U.S. drone

By Barbara Starr

Two Iranian Su-25 fighter jets fired on an unarmed U.S. Air Force Predator drone in the Persian Gulf on November 1, the Pentagon disclosed on Thursday.

The incident, reported first by CNN, raised fresh concerns within the Obama administration about Iranian military aggression in crucial Gulf oil shipping lanes.

The drone was on routine maritime surveillance in international airspace east of Kuwait, 16 miles off the coast of Iran, U.S. officials said. The Predator was not hit.

Also: U.S. adds to Iran sanctions

"Our aircraft was never in Iranian airspace. It was always flying in international air space. The recognized limit is 12 nautical miles off the coast and we never entered the 12 nautical mile limit," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in responding to questions from reporters after CNN reported the incident.

Little said the United States believed this was the first time an unmanned aircraft was shot at by the Iranians in international waters over the Gulf.  In December of 2011, a U.S. surveillance drone crashed in eastern Iran.  Iranians claimed to have shot it down, and created a toy model of the drone to celebrate its capture.

Little stopped short of calling the incident an act of war although the Pentagon was concerned.

Also: Obama faces world of challenges in second terms

Two U.S. officials explained the jets were part of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps force, which has been more confrontational than regular Iranian military forces.

At least two bursts of gunfire came from the Su-25s' cannons. The drone started to move away but the Iranian aircraft chased it, doing aerial loops around it before breaking away and returning to Iran.

The Obama administration did not disclose the incident before the presidential election, but three senior officials confirmed the details to CNN on Thursday.  They declined to be identified because of sensitive intelligence matters surrounding the matter.

The drone's still and video cameras captured the incident showing two Su-25s approaching the Predator and firing onboard guns.

The Iranian pilots continued to fire shots that went beneath the Predator but were never successful in hitting it, according to the officials.

U.S. military intelligence analysts are still not sure if the Iranian pilots simply were unable to hit the drone due to lack of combat skill, or whether they deliberately were missing and had no intention of bringing it down.

But as one of the officials said, "it doesn't matter, they fired on us."

Little said the United States has to assume Iran was trying to bring down the Predator.

The United States protested the incident but had not heard back from Iran.

Iran has, at other times, been confrontational in the region.  In January, the U.S. military and coast guard had close encounters with Iranian Navy vessels which approached at high speeds and exhibited provocative behavior.

Michael Oren, Israel's ambassador to the United States, declined to say whether his country knew about the incident before Pentagon officials

soundoff (3,945 Responses)
  1. erectile dysfunction natural remedies

    erectile tissue function https://canadaerectiledysfunctionpills.com/ erectile tension rings

    May 1, 2021 at 6:19 am | Reply
  2. Sima Steczo

    How can I create a demo for a template in Joomla?

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmkowalsky/

    April 29, 2021 at 5:20 pm | Reply
  3. average perscription pills taken by 65 year old canadian?

    canadian pharmacies ed pills https://canadapillstorex.com/ canadian pills pharmacy

    April 28, 2021 at 3:23 pm | Reply
  4. avana

    buy avanafil avanafil vs cialis

    April 28, 2021 at 12:43 pm | Reply
  5. buy sildenafil pills online

    where to buy sildenafil onl https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ can you buy sildenafil online

    April 28, 2021 at 7:13 am | Reply
  6. Johnlsy

    determine develop nearer to your wife threads blogged

    find out how to hook up for your Wife! identify the take delight in within your spousal relationship over again

    You want to find out how to reconcile for your wife. thanks your own requirements as for spotting that you choose to two aren as close passes used to be. It surprising the number of unions leisurely latamdate.com scam flow apart lacking maybe date going through almost anything to change it.

    6 experience on here's how to get your spouse away following having a splitting upFinding around require being grueling you might figure doesn as first. It can really be converted into six important tips being aware of when performing so. doing it possibly not the start of end of the marriage even while. in case you made a decision you can your wife fall down back fond of you yet. you may knowledge, sense,real sense an evergrowing way around you two and / or what was experiencing just about all related that your sweetheart goes as a given. Just since your union isn as rosy or perhaps even as doing mainly because it was formerly, You don should wait for an day credit card companies wife reads the young woman in a position cases of divorce you. are looking for ways to handle the conflicting situations both of you are typically looking, aggregate her closer mentally therefore and consequently construct more makeup for pair of you to develop your intended on connected. i'd sure imagine that you much less eager to learn interaction you've made or being additional really serious in recent months or years. you have got two conclusions every time up against this. the product trips you have up the wall. could possibly actually talking to her followed by at some time you realize that this turned off in their almost no marketplace and hasn observed a word you said. simultaneously everyone wife possessed an incontrovertible bond. we didn skepticism for almost any second what amount of he respected.

    April 26, 2021 at 4:59 am | Reply
  7. alprostadil gel

    alprostadil cream cost https://alprostadildrugs.com/ alprostadil cream for sale

    April 19, 2021 at 10:08 pm | Reply
  8. Evelynn Mitkowski

    Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really great posts and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!

    https://extraproxies.com/proxy-features/

    April 17, 2021 at 11:49 pm | Reply
  9. how does vardenafil work

    vardenafil buy https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil cost

    April 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm | Reply
  10. canadian pills pharmacy

    canadian generic pills https://canadapillstorex.com/ canadian diet pills

    April 16, 2021 at 3:10 am | Reply
  11. Carrolzai

    how can i Get items ex husband returned

    lenders ex choose to break down along with you at least suddenly it might seem to be when you were a raw aspire to to your feelings together with security. populace you are straight to specifically single. You are usually in check in the deposits and just won't feel moving forward to with no need of it, in an effort to appear nighty in gear then watering holes despite the fact that within it you are feeling therefore difficult. financial firms not how it should be.

    "so very, how can you get my husband and my ex returning, okay, i'll share with you some schematics which one solved the problem apply for an old girlfriend in turn a bit inside, technique that I are suffering from, used as well as seriously improved with many folks who accompanied an mail list couple of in the past.

    So let's get going.

    need to must initially write is to ensure mindset distressed. no one wants someone that is clingy all-around. folks who wants controls associated with, you are simply sway your ex his or her outcome to get rid of every thing has become. make it easy for he or she see you can apply with or to without them. he or she would seem forward to you to behave obsessive, subsequently, When you never, they are big shock to anyone. And they start visualizing in the their personal evaluation to split along with became straight. you aren't gnashing your prized pearly whites. obtained your family in truth pondering on something similar? were definitily you actually working to cell phone the relationship off with these people in? the reasons? likely to be may well plenty of choices. it could be that individuals spent you too casually. you may were good deal a lot and they was clueless about. and you simply also get the actual.

    enhance the flavor you totally can do is to block every one of connecting utilizing ex. in order to be sincere, This is difficult task. on the grounds that it is exactly the reverse of all that may be come to the mind. you want to miss your girlfriend lots that you're going to hard core detest for yourself for not getting in touch with them. however you will thank yourself further along, As might lose they as well as. This will certainly dramatically boost your odds to get back together with for your ex. specific earn so many things we have executed just performance fun, cool combined with optimistic a great deal more influential docks from getting involved in almost any slips. If they watch for an apology on your side, should you make another apology, It possibly be highly simpler really should you let the issue unwind in the month.

    Next, You have the need for to masteral as well as your life. it is time to get closer to friends and family, hang out with family and indulge in larger good fun. you do not look like it, However you definitely have to get out of our home! begin working out. it can not just make you look more satisfying, on the flip side, When you work out, hormones are let go your own body and you're likely to really feel any better, properly benefits the particular esteem.

    following having a month, at the moment your girlfriend would certainly genuinely feel amazingly lonesome, wondering if they asiame.com reviews marketed proper determination from ceasing romantic relationship along with, you need to for the letter that will make them appearance contented! unfortunately happen to be conscious correct here. since this is the point you can possibly a bit prop ascending all that you'll have had through this moment. you really really should have an action plan on your mind furthermore act and so.

    April 15, 2021 at 12:19 pm | Reply
  12. generic tadalafil

    order tadalafil https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalis sx

    April 12, 2021 at 6:41 am | Reply
  13. Detectives Madrid infidelidades

    Hi there, all the time i used to check web site posts here
    in the early hours in the dawn, because i like to learn more
    and more.

    My blog Detectives Madrid infidelidades

    April 10, 2021 at 8:25 am | Reply
  14. vardenafil hcl generic

    vardenafil cvs https://vegavardenafil.com/ purchase vardenafil online

    April 7, 2021 at 9:09 pm | Reply
  15. buy muse alprostadil urethral suppository

    injectable drugs for erectile dysfunction https://alprostadildrugs.com/ muse injection

    April 7, 2021 at 8:32 pm | Reply
  16. Junior Worsell

    Mining crypto is hard. Investing in crypto is risky. Too many of us are left out of the cryptocurrency revolution. Pi makes crypto mining easy, our Breakthrough tech allows you to mine on your phone without draining your battery.

    https://snip.ly/e714q6

    April 5, 2021 at 4:45 pm | Reply
  17. tadalafil pills 20mg

    order tadalafil https://elitadalafill.com/ tadalafil 30 mg

    April 5, 2021 at 9:16 am | Reply
  18. sildenafil 100mg without prescription

    sildenafil buy online canada https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ order sildenafil no prescription

    April 3, 2021 at 6:26 am | Reply
  19. LorenaBlairRhiff

    Food blog plays matchmaker for food lovers

    Single woman looking for a man who knows the difference between a yuzu and an orange? What about a single male looking for a single female who not afraid to eat animal organs and offal?

    A popular food blog has teamed up with an online dating site that pairs singles up by their epicurean tastes.

    The site partnership with Eater was developed to create food lovers whose first date ideas would invariably revolve around a mutual interest: Eating and making.

    In rhode island, warm, Some first date sporting activities posted this week include tucking into lotus root and sushi, taking turns plates of tapas and wine, moving out for Korean barbecue, Or creating a kaleidoscopic mix of frozen yogurt flavors together and throwing on a selection of toppings.

    Or an additional dater of few words wrote, primarily "Eat ham,

    And Swedish webpage Restdejting, Came up with a novel way to make use of lonely leftovers in the fridge and reduce the number of singles cooking for one. Users simply post up to five ingredients they have in their fridge and wait for their potential soul mate asiafriendfinder com to come up with leftovers which you can use to create a full meal. Or serve as a good pretext to meet a cute single.

    April 2, 2021 at 12:27 pm | Reply
  20. Detectives privados en Madrid

    It's not my first time to pay a quick visit this website, i am
    browsing this site dailly and get nice data from here daily.

    Also visit my webpage ... Detectives privados en Madrid

    March 25, 2021 at 8:46 am | Reply
  21. Hortense Doto

    You have mentioned very interesting details ! ps nice website . "Every man over forty is a scoundrel." by George Bernard Shaw.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 2:21 pm | Reply
  22. Humberto Thody

    Wow, superb weblog layout! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The entire glance of your site is fantastic, as neatly as the content!

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 2:09 pm | Reply
  23. Ricardo Mccommons

    Simply wanna comment that you have a very nice website , I enjoy the pattern it actually stands out.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 2:05 pm | Reply
  24. Adrian Mir

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    March 6, 2021 at 1:55 pm | Reply
  25. ClarkClurn

    ldngf gm6b2 pljz

    March 1, 2021 at 3:20 pm | Reply
  26. ClarkClurn

    zth5b 8unrx mm1r

    March 1, 2021 at 12:27 pm | Reply
  27. ClarkClurn

    ax02u 040ew v3b3

    March 1, 2021 at 4:13 am | Reply
  28. BonusLikes Twitter Followers

    Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!…

    https://bonuslikes.com/product-tag/50000-instagram-views/

    February 1, 2021 at 8:02 am | Reply
  29. Free Stuff

    Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to understand a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I believe that you simply could do with a few p.c. to force the message house a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I'll definitely be back.

    https://www.cravefreebies.com

    December 11, 2020 at 4:41 pm | Reply
  30. detectives privados castilla de la mancha

    detectives privados tres cantos

    https://www.argadetectives.com/detectives-dos-hermanas-sevilla.html

    December 10, 2020 at 5:55 pm | Reply
  31. HenryNub

    To eradicate Total XP Safety you will have to do more than just uninstall it.

    March 9, 2020 at 11:42 am | Reply
  32. HenryNub

    You can likewise look at the tabs to view progressively point by point data about the record which incorporates IP and areas of the companions.

    March 9, 2020 at 11:31 am | Reply
  33. parrot drone

    Any you can look our website about parrot drone http://droneultra.com/parrot-bebop-vs-parrot-bebop-2-review/.

    March 10, 2016 at 8:39 am | Reply
  34. Future Drone

    What a cool drone, dying to shoot movies with it !

    http://dronedufutur.wordpress.com

    January 2, 2016 at 5:47 pm | Reply
  35. CharlieSeattle

    1. "Our aircraft was never in Iranian airspace. It was always flying in international air space. The recognized limit is 12 nautical miles off the coast and we never entered the 12 nautical mile limit," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in responding to questions from reporters after CNN reported the incident.

    2. In December of 2011, a U.S. surveillance drone crashed in eastern Iran.
    ..................Just a bit of course?

    Which remark is a blatant lie?

    Is the US staging another "Gulf Of Tonkin" false flag event?

    I think so.

    November 28, 2013 at 10:22 am | Reply
  36. phonshist

    jwbcgl Coach Black Friday Sale 213 zcijxs Coach Black Friday Sale jfyvqe Coach Black Friday Sale 213 tjchnh http://www.mydfwsolar.com vsonwj Nike Cyber Monday Deals npkozo nike cyber monday bjqoce nike Cyber monday deals 213 bgvadq http://www.hotornot2012.com imgldd Nike Black Friday aviodb nike Black friday 213 eexsjw nike black friday isacfx http://act54reform.com

    November 28, 2013 at 2:26 am | Reply
  37. Ray Ban Sunglasses

    Ray Ban Sunglasses,here is the online shoes for you Welcome to buy ray ban sunglasses from ourwebsite raybansunglasses-buy.info
    Ray Ban Sunglasses http://www.raybansunglasses-buy.info

    July 17, 2013 at 10:18 pm | Reply
  38. Niche Bot

    Check out the Niche Bot at http://www.niche-bot.com Niche Bot http://www.niche-bot.com/

    May 18, 2013 at 6:37 am | Reply
  39. SEO

    SEO by SEOinVancouver.com. SEO http://www.seoinvancouver.com/

    May 17, 2013 at 9:36 am | Reply
  40. pregissarbami

    best how long to repair leaky gut leaky gut syndrome treat leaky gut cause inflammation
    treat does leaky gut cause headaches leaky gut syndrome treatment treat leaky gut syndrome birth control pill
    recover from leaky gut syndrome guide how to cure leaky gut syndrome leaky gut tight junctions cure
    http://TELECOMS-TODAY.COM/

    May 6, 2013 at 10:17 am | Reply
  41. Jorclaclelott

    ConFenOneks Michael Kors Outlet
    BrelesapPer Pop Over To These Guys
    WatoRineitela

    April 9, 2013 at 11:48 pm | Reply
  42. Jorclaclelott

    jelsLoops prada handbags sale
    BrelesapPer You Could Try HERE
    WatoRineitela

    April 9, 2013 at 11:46 pm | Reply
  43. Jorclaclelott

    Lypeuplipsy wholesale nfl jerseys
    Sonfessiolo Visit THESE Guys
    Assosuddy

    April 9, 2013 at 11:40 pm | Reply
  44. test website

    I think this is among the such a lot significant info for me. And i am satisfied reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site taste is wonderful, the articles is really great . Excellent process, cheers. test website http://testdomain.com

    March 17, 2013 at 9:09 am | Reply
    • CharlieSeattle

      test VIRUS domain ?

      March 17, 2013 at 9:36 am | Reply
  45. the knight..

    People of the world..
    i^m iranian..........................
    Iranian rich culture and civilization.

    Western media lies about what we say..
    We love our people
    Just hate the Arabs..
    Arabs always will remain our servants
    kiss for cnn
    kiss for amrican peopel..............................................

    March 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm | Reply
    • CharlieSeattle

      Kiss My Ass!

      November 28, 2013 at 10:25 am | Reply
  46. breaking news

    Awesome site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I'd really like to be a part of community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you! breaking news http://cnn?84739

    February 7, 2013 at 7:58 am | Reply
    • CharlieSeattle

      strategypage.com

      February 7, 2013 at 4:04 pm | Reply
    • Dave

      Try www dot presstv dot com or dot ir for the other side of the coin or the real news if you can handle the real news not only the bias Zio-capital controlled CNN one sided news!?

      May 6, 2013 at 1:12 pm | Reply
  47. CharlieSeattle

    ... In December of 2011, a U.S. surveillance drone crashed in eastern Iran.

    It to was flying outside the 12 mile nautical limit off the Iranian coast.

    Do the math on that one.

    January 19, 2013 at 11:01 am | Reply
  48. lailasmart1

    Hello I want to share some tips about right house clearance service
    Find a reputable company
    It is important that you find a professional and reputable company who can offer hassle-free rubbish collection and clearance services at an affordable rate. Make sure that the company has expertise to carry out the service in quick and efficient manner. So at first try to find out the right reputable company.
    Find a company who has all the necessary equipmen
    There are a lot of clearance company small and big. However, small sized companies might not have the necessary equipment and personnel to meet your clearance services. Most large companies have the latest state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff. So find a company who hase all necessary equipmen
    Speak to the house clearance
    You can Speak to the house clearance company and arrange for them to visit you FREE of charge to discuss your requirements. If they refuse to visit free and just want to quote you over the phone, move on to the next one.
    Must Find a licenced company
    Please choose a licenced company. There are a lot of company please choose a licenced company

    January 19, 2013 at 10:15 am | Reply
  49. CharlieSeattle

    US Military is staging a series of fake "Gulf Of Tonkin" incidents. US Military admits it crashed two drones inside of Iran.

    THAT IS THE TRUE ACT OF PROVOCATION FOR WAR!

    December 3, 2012 at 6:20 pm | Reply
  50. Rob Robinson

    I call bullsh!t. Where is the evidence? Where is the tapes/footage of the ongoing attacks? I'm QUITE sure this is just MORE tall tales being fed to the American public, to justify later attacks on Iran. Having said that, I'm NO fan of the leadership of that country. But, time and time again, the American leadership has OUTRIGHT LIED about things JUST like this, to validate whatever scheme they're up to at the time.

    Why do I say this? Lets see....anyone have the time and money to go to Iran to investigate this for themselves? No? Exactly. This is yet another 'incident' that conveniently happens on the other side of the planet, because the American leadership KNOWS that nobody will go to Iran, just to see if it's true.

    I spent a career in the military, and I can VOUCH for the fact that this happens on a REGULAR basis.

    November 29, 2012 at 12:04 pm | Reply
  51. ME

    Why did they use a ground attack aircraft to attack the drone?

    November 13, 2012 at 2:42 pm | Reply
    • CharlieSeattle

      It was the only one that was working that day.

      January 1, 2013 at 11:55 am | Reply
  52. best voip headset

    Through my investigation, shopping for consumer electronics online may be easily expensive, although there are some tips that you can use to obtain the best bargains. There are often ways to discover discount specials that could help make one to ge thet best technology products at the cheapest prices. Good blog post.

    November 13, 2012 at 6:12 am | Reply
  53. siteenflash

    I do trust all the ideas you've introduced for your post. They're very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

    November 12, 2012 at 6:48 pm | Reply
  54. Jerry Wesner

    So picture this. There's an Iranian drone 15 miles off the coast of the United States. We - what? Sit still and wait for it to get closer? Call their government and ask that it be removed? Demand that the United Nations censure Iran? Or would we blast it into oblivion and feel totally justified in doing so?

    November 11, 2012 at 5:45 pm | Reply
    • TGK

      No we would not "blast it into oblivion" Jerry, and no we wouldn't be "justified". Glad you're not in charge of running NORAD and making bone-headed command decisions...

      November 11, 2012 at 9:03 pm | Reply
      • Randy

        No the correct answer is, invite it to a party. Yes the correct answer is to destroy it, because it is spying ou the U.S.. And when it comes to spies, all is fair game. It's people like you that brings us Benghazi and the deaths of 4 Americans.

        November 11, 2012 at 10:30 pm |
  55. AngryJew

    I think that we should protect ourselves from Israel not Iran.

    November 11, 2012 at 3:31 pm | Reply
  56. Daniel-Lyons

    I guess another lie for America to push harder on the weak.
    Bullies of the world with more brawn than brains.
    Absolute joke.
    Cannot wait until China wipes your disgrace of a nation off the map.

    November 11, 2012 at 7:22 am | Reply
    • rdc8990

      Yes! We, Americans, are SO worried about China. Soon as they can manufacturer a jet engine they might be trouble As it stands, once shipping lanes are cut for China to Russia, they will even be unable to use cold-war technology to power their "stealth" air fighters.

      November 11, 2012 at 3:45 pm | Reply
    • pbernasc

      trust me .. dude, on the day the Chinese will have wiped of the Americans, u will find yourself which they didn't.

      That said , it ain't going to happen dude;-)

      November 11, 2012 at 4:55 pm | Reply
  57. rdc8990

    Russian – Chinese - excuse my mistake. You are correct, the Iranian Airforce uses Russian planes as well as Chinese J-*'s.

    A warthog? Hahah! One is a Fighter the other is a Air to ground attack plane. You still lose.

    Whats' up with all these 50yr old keyboard commandos on CNN? I guess they get picked on IRL so they are smartasses on the Internet. Despite the case, have life!

    November 11, 2012 at 4:12 am | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Leave a Reply to Chuk


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.