The United States shot down an Iranian drone that was "compellingly approaching" its aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, a military spokesman said.

The drone was intercepted by an F-35C stealth fighter jet deployed from the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US warship, according to Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for US Central Command.

Hawkins said the action on Tuesday was taken in "self-defense" to protect the aircraft carrier and its crew. The USS Abraham Lincoln was reportedly about 805 kilometres from the Iranian coast when the drone, whose purpose remains unclear, approached.

No US personnel or assets were reported injured in the incident. The event comes as Washington increases its military presence in the region amid rising tensions with Iran.

President Donald Trump has previously threatened action if Iran does not negotiate a deal to limit its nuclear programme and has warned of intervention in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown on protesters.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt told Fox News that despite the drone incident, US-Iran talks scheduled for this weekend remain on track.