TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday it had shot down a U.S. F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter over central Iran, the second such claim in recent weeks amid escalating tensions with Washington.
State-affiliated outlets including Mehr News, Tasnim and Press TV quoted the IRGC Aerospace Force as saying the jet was struck by a “new advanced air defense system” in Markazi province. The aircraft was “completely destroyed” on impact, the reports said, adding that the pilot’s survival was unlikely. Images purporting to show wreckage were released by Iranian media.
The IRGC said the fighter belonged to a U.S. squadron, with one report citing Lakenheath as its base.
The announcement follows a March 19 confirmed report in which the IRGC said it had damaged another F-35 over central Iran. U.S. officials at the time confirmed the jet was hit by suspected Iranian fire but landed safely at a U.S. base in the Middle East, with the pilot sustaining minor injuries.
Washington has consistently rejected Iranian assertions of downing U.S. aircraft, describing them as false. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not yet commented on Friday’s claim, though it has previously dismissed similar announcements.
Independent analysts, it may be added here, have chosen to question the authenticity of some Iranian-released footage, noting past use of recycled or AI-generated visuals. The latest claim comes as both sides trade accusations over military activity in the Gulf and beyond.
