CENTCOM Denies Iranian Claims of Downed US Fighter Jet Amid Regional Tensions

CENTCOM Responds to Iranian Allegations

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has dismissed Iranian assertions that a US fighter jet was shot down, as tensions in the region escalate. In a statement shared on X, CENTCOM clarified, "There are rumors suggesting that the Iranian regime has recently downed a US F-15 over Iran." They further stated, "US forces have conducted over 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury, and no US fighter aircraft have been downed by Iran." This denial comes in response to reports from Iranian state media claiming that an American aircraft was targeted near Hormuz Island, along with a video purportedly showing the jet being tracked by air defense systems.

In a separate report, CNN cited defense officials indicating that a US F-35 Lightning II had to make an emergency landing after sustaining damage during a mission. CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins confirmed, "The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. An investigation is currently underway regarding this incident."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed responsibility for targeting the aircraft in central Iranian airspace during a combat operation. They reported that the strike occurred at 02:50 local time using advanced air defense systems. The IRGC stated, "The fate of the fighter jet remains uncertain and is under investigation, with a high likelihood of its crash." Additionally, they asserted that they had intercepted over 125 US and Israeli drones, which they cited as evidence of enhancements in their integrated air defense capabilities.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no signs of damage to Israel's nuclear facility in Dimona following the alleged Iranian strikes, stating that there were no indications of radiation leakage. The agency noted, "Information from regional states indicates that no abnormal radiation levels have been detected." IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged for restraint, emphasizing that "maximum military restraint should be observed, particularly near nuclear facilities." Iran has characterized its reported strike on Dimona as retaliation for previous attacks on its nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz facility, which had been targeted earlier.