U.S. officials have confirmed that Iranian forces have shot down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, in recent days. These officials spoke to CBS News under the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to comment publicly. Details about the specific location of the drone losses or the exact MQ-1 variant involved remain unclear. The MQ-1 is a series of remotely piloted aircraft used primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Two main variants have been used by the U.S. military: the MQ-1 Predator, which was widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan before being retired in 2018, and the larger MQ-1 Gray Eagle, which is still in use by the U.S. Army, including special operations units. While both are primarily used for observation, they can also be armed with Hellfire missiles for attacking targets. In the strategic Strait of Hormuz, these drones are especially valuable for monitoring military movements and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping lanes. The financial impact of such losses can be significant. If the drones shot down were the older MQ-1 Predator models, which are largely retired, the cost would be around $8 million for two units. The Gray Eagle, a more advanced variant, can cost tens of millions of dollars depending on its configuration. In total, the U.S. has lost at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the escalation of tensions with Iran, according to a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office. This loss amounts to approximately $720 million, with an additional $150 million lost from the destruction of an MQ-4C Triton, a high-altitude surveillance drone. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the region and is responsible for actions against Iran, did not respond to CBS News' request for comment on the drone losses. The incident highlights the growing risks and financial burdens associated with U.S. military operations in the Middle East, particularly in areas with heightened geopolitical tensions.