Iranian state media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have released new images they claim capture the moment Iranian air defenses targeted and brought down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone near Iran’s southern coastline.

The released images reportedly show the engagement sequence during heightened military tensions in the Persian Gulf region following recent U.S. operations near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials described the interception as a defensive response against what they called unauthorized aerial activity near sensitive military zones.

As of now, the Pentagon and United States Central Command have not confirmed Iran’s claims regarding the alleged drone downing.

The publication of the images is likely to further raise tensions between Tehran and Washington as regional security concerns continue to escalate.