Iran claims F-15 downing; US denies, reports F-35 damage
Iran claims it shot down a US F-15 fighter jet near the Strait of Hormuz, an assertion strongly denied by the US Central Command. Separately, reports indicate a US F-35 fighter jet sustained damage and made an emergency landing after an encounter over Iranian airspace.
Key Highlights
- Iran claims F-15 shot down near Strait of Hormuz.
- US Central Command denies any F-15 was shot down.
- A US F-35 made an emergency landing after being hit.
- Pilot of the damaged F-35 sustained shrapnel wounds.
- US forces have conducted thousands of flights without losses.
Iran has claimed to have shot down a United States F-15 fighter jet near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, an assertion that has been categorically denied by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). According to Iranian state media, including the Tehran Times and Fars News Agency, Iran's Joint Air Defence Command successfully tracked and engaged an "intruding F-15 fighter jet" with a surface-to-air missile, allegedly after it violated Iranian airspace or approached sensitive coastal areas. The Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai also shared this claim via social media. This claim has been presented as evidence of Iran's strengthened air defence capabilities.
However, CENTCOM has labeled these reports as "false" and a "rumor." In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM asserted that U.S. forces have flown over 8,000 combat flights during "Operation Epic Fury" without any losses attributed to Iran. The U.S. military has also clarified that previous Iranian claims of downing F-15s were due to "friendly fire" incidents.
Adding to the aerial confrontations, separate reports indicate that a U.S. F-35 fighter jet sustained damage and was forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. This incident reportedly occurred during a combat mission over Iranian airspace. Iranian state media, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed to have "attacked" and "severely damaged" the F-35 using its air defence systems. Footage purportedly showing the engagement was also released by Iranian-affiliated channels.
U.S. officials confirmed that the F-35 made an emergency landing and that the pilot is safe and in stable condition, though the pilot reportedly suffered shrapnel wounds. The incident is currently under investigation by U.S. authorities. While the extent of the damage to the F-35 is unclear, some reports suggest this may be the first instance of an F-35 sustaining significant damage from enemy ground fire. It is important to note that a viral video claiming to show the F-35 being shot down by Iran has been debunked as AI-generated.
The events unfold amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, with significant global economic concerns arising from the prolonged instability. The U.S. has also reportedly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The news also touches upon previous incidents, including the mistaken downing of three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets by Kuwaiti air defence systems due to "friendly fire". The credibility of the EurAsian Times as a source for such sensitive military information, particularly when making bold claims that are subsequently denied by official military sources, is questionable. The article's headline appears to sensationalize the claims without adequately presenting the U.S. refutation prominently, thereby potentially misleading readers. The news is of international significance, with direct implications for U.S. foreign policy and military operations in the Middle East, and indirectly affects global trade routes.
The publication date of this specific report appears to be March 22 or 23, 2026, based on the timestamps of the related articles. The context of these events is the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has been active for approximately 24 days according to one report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Iran shoot down a US F-15 fighter jet near the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran claims it shot down a US F-15 near the Strait of Hormuz. However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied this claim, stating it is false and that no U.S. aircraft have been lost.
What happened to the US F-35 fighter jet?
Reports indicate that a U.S. F-35 fighter jet was damaged during a mission over Iranian airspace and made an emergency landing. Iran claims responsibility for damaging the aircraft, and the incident is under investigation by U.S. authorities. The pilot sustained shrapnel wounds.
What is the current status of US-Iran military tensions?
Tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran, with ongoing military exchanges and reports of aerial confrontations. The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically vital and contested waterway, with the U.S. reportedly issuing an ultimatum to Iran regarding its reopening.