The Iranian army announced on Sunday that its air defense systems successfully shot down a US MQ-9 drone as part of the unified air defense network in the western region of the country.

The army said in an official statement: "An MQ-9 drone was shot down hours ago, after being successfully struck by fire from the army's air defense systems."

The statement added that Iranian air defenses also intercepted a cruise missile launched by the United States, through successful tracking and firing by the army's air defense systems.

These developments come amid escalating military tensions between the two countries. Tehran and Washington had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18, mediated by Pakistan, for a ceasefire and arrangements to end the conflict. However, the US military has carried out several rounds of attacks on Iran since July 8, claiming they were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump had explicitly stated that the ceasefire with Iran was no longer in effect, while Tehran accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding on cessation of hostilities.

In response, the Iranian army continues to strike US bases in several Middle Eastern countries, while the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters affirmed that Tehran will not allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that Iran will deal firmly with any threat to the safe passage of commercial ships and oil tankers outside the paths it determines.