Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has successfully targeted an American F-18 fighter jet (F/A-18 Hornet), marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The IRGC claimed it had “successfully targeted” the US aircraft, though it did not immediately provide details on the location, extent of damage or the fate of the pilot. There has been no immediate confirmation from the United States military, which has previously disputed similar claims by Iran during the conflict.
Though Iran claimed it had shot down an “F-18,” it likely meant the F/A-18, a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter jet. The US military does not operate any aircraft formally designated as F-18.
VIDEO SHOWS MIDAIR STRIKE ON FIGHTER JET
The footage, shared by Iranian state-linked channel Press TV, appears to show a fighter jet in flight before a sudden flash is visible near the aircraft, suggesting it may have been struck midair. Moments later, the jet seems to lose stability, with a visible trail that could indicate damage or loss of control. The sequence is brief but gives the impression of an aerial engagement. There has been no independent verification of the video.
In the following frames, something separates from the aircraft, appearing to show the pilot ejecting with a parachute. It moves away as the jet continues on an unstable path.
The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai also shared the video on X, claiming that a US F-18 fighter jet was struck by Iran’s integrated air defence system.
US MILITARY REJECTS IRAN CLAIM
However, minutes after the claim surfaced, the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a fact-check rejecting the assertion that an American fighter jet had been shot down. In a post on X, CENTCOM said, “No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran.”
Iran’s latest claim is the most recent in a series of similar assertions by the IRGC since the escalation of hostilities in February. Earlier this month, on March 5, the IRGC stated that its air defences had downed a US F-15 Strike Eagle near Iran’s southeastern border. Iranian state media circulated reports and footage purporting to show the incident, but US Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed the claim as “baseless,” stating that no American fighter aircraft had been lost to Iranian fire.
On March 19, the IRGC again claimed that it struck US F-35 stealth fighter over central Iran, using an indigenous air defense system. The group said the jet sustained heavy damage, with a probability of it having crashed. However, CNN reports indicated the F-35 made an emergency landing.
IRAN WARNS OF ATTACK OVER ALLEGED ISLAND PLOT
Minutes after the development, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that enemies, with support from a regional country, may be preparing to occupy an Iranian island.
He warned all movements are under surveillance and threatened “relentless attacks” on that country’s infrastructure if any action is taken.
