US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on Sunday rejecting claims made by Iran regarding the alleged downing of a fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet over central Iran.
In a post on the social media platform X, CENTCOM clarified that American forces have conducted more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury. The command explicitly stated that no US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iranian forces during these operations.
Prior to the official social media post, a spokesman for CENTCOM informed news agency Anadolu that the military had no initial comment concerning a specific claim from Iran that an F-15 had been targeted.
Conflicting reports from the Revolutionary Guard
On Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had successfully struck and seriously damaged a US F-35 fighter jet. According to a statement from the IRGC, the incident occurred over central Iran at approximately 2.50 am on Thursday.
The IRGC reported that its air defence systems engaged the aircraft, leaving its ultimate fate unknown and under investigation. Iranian officials noted there was a high possibility that the jet had crashed following the encounter.
Furthermore, the IRGC stated that this operation followed the interception of more than 125 drones linked to the US and Israel. They suggested the incident demonstrated significant improvements in the country’s integrated air defence capabilities.
Escalation of regional hostilities
Tensions in the region have intensified significantly since the US and Israel initiated a joint offensive against Iran on February 28. The conflict has claimed approximately 1,300 lives to date, including then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response to the offensive, Iran has launched various retaliatory strikes using drones and missiles. These attacks have targeted Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf nations that host US military assets.
The ongoing hostilities have resulted in numerous casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. The conflict also continues to cause significant disruptions to global markets and international aviation routes.
