Pentagon denies NJ congressman’s claims that mystery drones over the state are linked to Iran

12/15/2024 / By Kevin Hughes

U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) claimed that mysterious drone sightings over the state might be linked to an Iranian “mothership,” raising national security concerns. His assertions were based on confidential sources.
The Department of Defense quickly dismissed Van Drew’s claims, categorically denying the presence of an Iranian ship or “mothership” off the U.S. coast. This added to the uncertainty surrounding the drone sightings.
The drones, first reported in mid-November, have been described as large, technologically advanced, and flying in formations with flashing lights. Reports of up to 180 drones in groups over a single night have raised questions about their origin and purpose.
While both state and federal officials, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and FBI officials, have assured the public of no immediate threat, there has been frustration with the lack of information. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and other officials have called for immediate briefings and more transparency from federal agencies.
The situation has led to a push for stronger federal involvement, with calls for expanded defense resources and the deployment of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s capabilities. As investigations continue, the mystery of the drones remains unresolved, prompting continued public speculation and concern.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) recently sparked controversy and raised national security concerns by claiming that mysterious drones spotted over the state may be linked to an Iranian “mothership.”

Van Drew, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, asserted on Fox News that confidential sources had informed him of the potential Iranian connection. The congressman insisted on the reliability of the information without revealing the identity of his sources.

“These drones should be shot down. The military is on full alert with this,” he declared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the military’s heightened alert status. (Related: Mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey raise concerns.)

The mystery drones, first reported in mid-November, have continued to perplex officials and residents alike. Described as large and equipped with sophisticated technology, the unidentified flying objects have been seen flying in formation and displaying an array of flashing lights.

Sightings have been reported in groups of up to 180 per night, raising questions about their origins and purpose. While the frequency of the sightings has escalated, with 49 reported in one instance, both state and federal officials have assured the public that there is no immediate threat.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated, “There is no known threat to the public at this time,” and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials have been investigating the reports while urging the public to provide information about the incidents.

Van Drew’s claims of an Iranian connection added a geopolitical dimension to the mystery. Citing his sources’ assertion that Iran has made a deal with China to purchase drones and technology, the congressman suggested that the drones could be linked to this arrangement.

Defense Department: There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the U.S.

However, the Department of Defense (DoD) quickly dismissed Van Drew’s assertions.

“There is not any truth to that. There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called ‘mothership’ launching drones toward the United States,” said DoD spokeswoman Sabrina Singh. “They were not U.S. military drones. These are not drones or activities from a foreign entity or foreign adversary.”

The situation has sparked a call for stronger federal involvement and transparency.

New Jersey state officials, including Murphy and Booker, have expressed frustration with the lack of information and requested immediate briefings from federal agencies, including the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security.

Booker, in a letter to federal officials, emphasized the need for “relevant information about these drone sightings” to be shared with the public, warning that without transparency, rumors and misinformation would continue to spread.

New Jersey Reps. Chris Smith and Josh Gottheimer, among others, have called for expanded defense resources and the deployment of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s capabilities to address the drone activity.

Smith specifically noted that an officer had observed 50 drones coming in off the ocean in Ocean County, while a Coast Guard commander reported seeing between 12 and 30 drones following a motor lifeboat over the weekend.

As federal agencies continue their investigations, the mystery drones have become a focal point for public speculation and concern.

With no clear answers and ongoing sightings, the situation remains unresolved, leaving New Jersey residents and officials alike demanding more information and a coordinated response from federal authorities.

Follow DroneWatchNews.com for more news about mysterious drones.

Watch this clip from TruNews about New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s claims that the mystery drones spotted in his state are being deployed from an Iranian “mothership” in the Atlantic Ocean.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.