US jet downs Iran drone but talks still on course

Iran formally allows women to ride motorcycles

FE Team | Published: February 04, 2026 22:38:25

A cyclist rides past an anti-US billboard displayed on a building in Tehran's Valiasr Square on Wednesday — AFP

WASHINGTON, Feb 04 (AFP): A US fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier in the Middle East on Tuesday, Washington said, as renewed tensions on the high seas overshadowed plans for nuclear talks.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that US envoy Steve Witkoff is still expected "to have conversations with the Iranians late this week," despite the incident.
The downing of the drone was the second clash between the foes in Middle Eastern waters on the same day, after Iranian forces attempted to detain a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington and Tehran have agreed to talks after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with military action-and Iran warned that it would respond with strikes on US vessels and bases.
The United States bombed Iran's nuclear sites last summer, and has sent a naval battlegroup back to the region since Tehran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.
Negotiations are now set for Friday, but Trump has refused to rule out military action and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian insists talks will only go ahead provided they were free of threats.
"An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense," Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said in a statement.
Women in Iran can now formally obtain a licence to ride a motorcycle, local media reported Wednesday, ending years of legal ambiguity surrounding two-wheelers.
The law previously did not explicitly prohibit women from riding motorbikes and scooters, but in practice authorities refused to issue licences. Due to the legal grey area, women have been held legally responsible for accidents even when victims.
Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref signed a resolution on Tuesday aimed at clarifying the traffic code, which was approved by Iran's cabinet in late January, the country's Ilna news agency reported.