Iran claims it has shot down US drone

TEHRAN // Iranian armed forces have shot down a US drone that violated Iranian airspace along its eastern border, according to media reports in the country.

Al Alam news channel reported that the plane was an RQ170 type drone and is now in the possession of Iran's armed forces.

The report did not say when or where the drone was downed, but said it was not "badly damaged" and still in good shape.

“An advanced RQ170 unmanned American spy plane was shot down by Iran’s armed forces. It suffered minor damage and is now in possession of Iran’s armed forces,” IRNA quoted the official as saying.

Iran is locked in a dispute with the US and its allies over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme, which the West believes is aimed at the development of nuclear weapons.

Iran denies the accusations, saying its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.