CENTCOM says LUCAS one‑way strike drones, modeled on Iran’s Shahed design, were used in combat for the first time during the Iran operation

Taking down Iran's cheap drones is a drain on the U.S. weapons stockpile. Emerging laser technology may be a cost-effective key to taking them down.

Saturday's attack against Iran was the Pentagon's first use of one-way drones in combat, CENTCOM said, and only about three months since its first notable test in the field -- a rapid turnaround for a weapon system in the United States’ arsenal.

Experts and defense leaders stress that the U.S. military has been able to shoot down the majority of Iran’s drones and take out much of its drone capabilities. But critics said too often missiles that cost millions of dollars were used to down small drones that cost tens of thousands.

The Pentagon and Middle Eastern countries say that most of the drones have been intercepted. But some have slipped through and caused damage.

Pete Hegseth and other military leaders warned lawmakers that gaps in counter-drone technology could leave U.S. forces and assets increasingly vulnerable.

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is deploying the USS Tripoli and up to 5,000 military service members to the Middle East after President Trump vowed Friday to unleash “unparalleled firepower” on the “deranged scumbags” leading Iran.

Rescue and recovery operations were underway at "several incident sites" in central Israel after reports of an Iranian aerial attack.

The war, which shows no signs of ending soon, has upended global air travel, disrupted oil exports from the region and sent fuel prices rising across the world.