Iranian naval air defense forces have intercepted and destroyed a US MQ-1 drone near Kuhestak, on the coast of Sirik in southern Iran.

The drone was detected and shot down by a new air defense system operated by the naval forces and integrated into the country's unified air defense command network, according to TASS.

The incident took place in the Kuhestak area along Iran's southern coastline.

The Iranian Army stressed that it would not hesitate to defend the country's territorial integrity, maritime borders and national interests.