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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called for federal help after “very sophisticated” drones the size of cars are seen over New Jersey. Murphy said the federal government needs to be “faster” in investigating the drones.

New Jersey officials asked the public to remain calm – even as residents pack up and leave. National security spokesperson John Kirby said there is no public safety threat during a White House press briefing on Thursday.

“Many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,” Kirby said. “There is no evidence of foreign based involvement…”

On Wednesday, Pentagon officials denied reports that the taxi-sized drones were sent by an Iranian “mothership” in the waters off the East Coast.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew pushed back against The Pentagon denying the drones could be from an Iranian “mothership”.

Drew said “highly placed” sources told him a ship went missing from an Iranian port in late November and could be anchored off the East Coast.

“I’m not saying it’s definite, but it needs to be explored,” Van Drew said Thursday on Fox News.

A Business Insider article mentioned a “container ship” that went missing from a port in Iran.

“A container ship that Iran has spent the past few years turning into a militarized drone carrier has left its home port for the first time, recent satellite imagery obtained by Business Insider shows,” the story said.

One New Jersey resident said he sent up a fully charged drone to investigate the mystery drones. He said his drone lost battery power after a few minutes in the air.

Other residents said they couldn’t fly their drones either. They suspect that the mystery drones are equipped with jammers.