Iran’s state-run Press TV released footage claiming the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had successfully attacked a US F/A-18 fighter jet.
The video, also shared by the Consulate General of Iran on X, does not specify the location of the alleged strike or provide details about the condition of the plane or the fate of the pilot.
The video shows the encounter in the air
The footage is said to show a fighter jet in flight before a sudden flash appears near the plane, suggesting a possible mid-air attack.
Moments later, the jet appears to lose stability, leaving behind a visible trail that could indicate damage or loss of control. In the following images, the object can be seen separating from the aircraft as it continues on an unstable trajectory, giving the impression of an aerial shot.
US Central Command denies the claims
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) vehemently denied the claim and described it as false.
“FALSE: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that a US F/A-18 fighter jet was hit over Chabahar using new advanced air defense systems,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
“TRUTH: Iran did not shoot down any US fighter jets.”
A pattern of conflicting claims
Since hostilities escalated earlier this year, Iran’s state and military branches have repeatedly claimed to have shot down American planes.
Previous claims have included:
– Claims of downed F-35 stealth fighter
However, many of these claims have been disputed or denied by US officials.
Earlier incidents and disputed reports
On March 5, the IRGC claimed that its air defense systems shot down a US F-15 Strike Eagle near Iran’s southeastern border. US authorities dismissed the claim as “baseless”, saying no aircraft were lost to Iranian fire.
On March 19, the IRGC again claimed to have hit a US F-35 over central Iran using an indigenous system. While Iranian sources indicated severe damage, reports suggested the plane had made an emergency landing rather than being destroyed.
Separately, the crash of a US KC-135 tanker in Iraq last week killed six people, while reports of F-15 losses in Kuwait were attributed to friendly fire incidents.
