Iran Claims It Shot Down US F-35 Fighter Jet Over Central Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian state media has reported that the country’s military claims to have shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet, saying the pilot was unlikely to have survived.

The statement, issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), came via Mehr news agency and described the attack as taking place over central Iran.

This development adds to the already tense atmosphere in the Middle East, with both sides trading accusations and military actions as the conflict enters its 35th day.

Disputed Strikes Over Qeshm Island

In addition to the alleged F-35 incident, Iran claimed it targeted another “enemy” aircraft over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military, however, has rejected this claim, noting that similar reports have been circulated by the IRGC at least six times before.

Officials emphasized that all US fighter jets are accounted for and no losses have been confirmed.

Trump’s Escalatory Warnings

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has publicly boasted about a recent strike on Iran’s tallest bridge.

On social media, he warned that the next targets would be Iran’s power plants, signaling further escalation.

“The US hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran.

Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants,” he wrote.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Blake Lively wins partial court victory as lawsuit against Justin Baldoni moves to New York trial

Governor Ademola Adeleke launches engineering endowment fund in Osun to empower students and drive national development

Jonah Jang and Simon Lalong unite to tackle rising insecurity in Plateau State amid deadly Jos attacks

Government Deploys AI Surveillance Cameras to Transform Security in Jos Plateau State

These statements underscore the heightened rhetoric from the US side and suggest that infrastructure, not just military assets, could be under threat in coming days.

US Military Response

CENTCOM, the US Central Command, has repeatedly dismissed Iranian claims of downed aircraft.

Videos released by the military show Iranian targets being destroyed while maintaining that no US fighter jets have been lost.

The back-and-forth messaging reflects the highly contested nature of information in the conflict, making independent verification difficult.

Regional and Global Stakes

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil supplies, has already been a flashpoint during this conflict.

Any real loss of US military aircraft or further attacks in this region could have immediate geopolitical and economic consequences, potentially impacting oil prices worldwide.

Impact and Consequences

Even unconfirmed claims like these can significantly influence public perception, military morale, and international diplomacy.

If Iran’s statements are believed or acted upon, there could be retaliatory strikes, further escalation of hostilities, and heightened regional instability.

Global markets and energy prices could also respond sharply to perceived increases in risk.

What’s Next?

Monitoring the situation closely is essential. Independent verification of airstrikes and aircraft losses will be critical in the coming days.

The US may continue to target key infrastructure, while Iran could increase its defensive measures or escalate offensives.

Diplomatic channels may attempt intervention, but the current trajectory points to continued tension in the Middle East.

Summary

Iran claims to have shot down a second US F-35, while the US military refutes the reports and confirms no aircraft losses.

Tensions escalate further as Trump boasts of attacks on Iranian infrastructure and warns of future strikes.

Both sides continue a war of messaging alongside actual military operations, keeping the region on edge.

Key Takeaways

• Iran claims a second US F-35 fighter jet was downed over central Iran.
• The IRGC also claimed an attack over Qeshm Island, which the US military refutes.
• CENTCOM confirms all US fighter jets are accounted for.
• Trump publicly warned of attacks on Iranian power plants after striking a bridge.
• The conflict continues to escalate with regional and global stakes, particularly concerning energy and security.