Iran Claims Downing Another U.S. F-35 Warplane

Tehran- As the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its 35th day, a significant claim has emerged from Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that one of the most advanced U.S. warplanes, an F-35, was shot down in central Iran.

According to a statement reported by local media, Iranian air defense systems engaged an "advanced warplane belonging to the U.S. and Israel" south of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. The IRGC stated that the aircraft was hit and subsequently crashed into the waters between Hengam Island and Kish Island, sinking into the depths of the Persian Gulf.

The statement also pushed back against recent remarks by the U.S. President, who had claimed that Iran's air defense systems were largely destroyed. In response, the IRGC asserted that its naval air defense successfully intercepted and downed the aircraft.

Iranian state television released footage purportedly showing the moment the warplane was struck.

Iran has further claimed that it downed a U.S. F-35 on March 19, an Israeli F-16 on March 21, and a U.S. F-15 on March 22. However, the U.S. military stated that the F-35 made a hard landing at a base in a neighboring country, while the F-15 completed its mission despite being targeted. Israel also confirmed that one of its F-16s was targeted but reported no damage.