Iran on Sunday claimed it had shot down an advanced F-15 fighter jet near the Strait of Hormuz, releasing what it said was footage of the interception. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the United States or its regional allies.
According to a statement by the Iranian military, its joint air defence command targeted the aircraft over the country’s southern coastal region using a surface-to-air missile system. Meanwhile, Iranian state-affiliated outlets, including Fars News Agency and Press TV, reported that the jet was successfully tracked and engaged. A video circulated by Iranian media purportedly shows the moment the system locked onto and struck the aircraft.
Furthermore, Iranian officials said investigations were ongoing to determine the fate of the aircraft and its pilot. Despite the claims, there has been no official response from Washington or confirmation from other operators of the platform, including Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar.
Notably, the latest claim comes days after Tehran said it had, for the first time, targeted a F-35 Lightning II. Additionally, CNN reported, citing defence officials, that an F-35 made an emergency landing during a recent mission, with the pilot ejecting safely. An investigation into that incident remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, regional tensions have intensified, with multiple aerial incidents reported. Earlier reports suggested three F-15E Strike Eagle jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences on March 1, a claim later acknowledged by US Central Command. In a separate incident, a KC-135 Stratotanker reportedly crashed following an unclear mid-air episode.
Moreover, Iran has also claimed to have downed an F-16 Fighting Falcon in its central region. The developments come amid escalating hostilities following reported US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Tehran maintains it is responding to aggression while continuing missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli-controlled territories and US-linked assets.
