Overview

• Satellite images confirm the Shahid Bagheri, Iran's newly converted drone carrier, is conducting sea trials near Bandar Abbas in the Persian Gulf.
• The vessel, originally a commercial container ship, has been outfitted with a ski-jump ramp and angled flight deck for drone operations.
• Two additional modified Iranian naval vessels, the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Roudaki, were also spotted near the Shahid Bagheri, forming a drone carrier fleet.
• U.S. officials have denied claims that an Iranian 'mothership' is responsible for recent drone sightings over New Jersey, citing lack of evidence.
• Iran's drone capabilities have been linked to regional conflicts and international incidents, with its drones reportedly used by allies in the Middle East and by Russia in Ukraine.