Iran Claims Second U.S. F-35 Shot Down Over Central Region

TEHRAN — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that its air defense units successfully intercepted and destroyed a second United States F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet. Iranian state media reports the aircraft was downed over the country’s central region using a “modern, indigenous missile system.”

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State Media Reports

According to official outlets, including Tasnim and Press TV, the stealth aircraft was engaged after violating Iranian airspace. Initial reports from the scene describe a “massive explosion,” leading Iranian officials to suggest that the pilot likely did not survive. While some local rumors of a pilot capture have circulated, no visual evidence of a crew member has been provided by Tehran.

Evidence and Verification

To support the claim, Iran released footage and photographs of smoking wreckage. Analysts have noted the following:

• Tail Markings: Debris shown in the footage features an “LN” tail code, which identifies aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, currently operating in the region.
• Visual Discrepancies: Several independent defense experts have questioned the “stealth” claim. Some argue that the wreckage patterns, specifically the wing geometry and paint, are more consistent with an F-15E Strike Eagle than an F-35.

U.S. Response

The Pentagon has not confirmed the loss of any aircraft in today’s operations. This follows a high-tension incident on March 19, where Iran made similar claims. In that instance, the U.S. later clarified that while an F-35 sustained damage from a missile barrage, it successfully performed an emergency landing and was not destroyed.

Regional Context

The reported shoot-down occurs amidst a significant military escalation that began in late February. The U.S. and its allies have been conducting sustained air operations against Iranian infrastructure, while Tehran has vowed to demonstrate that its “indigenous technology” can overcome Western stealth capabilities.

The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to engage in a high-stakes information war regarding aerial losses.