SECURITY — April 3, 2026
Iran's IRGC Claims to Have Shot Down US F-35 Jet
Iran's IRGC claimed to have shot down a U.S. F-35 jet in central Iran, the second such assertion since February amid ongoing regional tensions from U.S. and Israeli strikes. The pilot's fate is unknown, and no U.S. response has been reported.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its air defenses shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet in central Iran.
The IRGC statement, quoted by Tasnim news agency, said the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact and the pilot's fate remains unknown.
This is the second such claim by Iran since regional tensions escalated on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Iran previously claimed on March 19 to have downed another U.S. F-35, a report denied by Washington.
The IRGC also claimed on Thursday to have shot down an Israeli F-16 jet.
Iranian sources report more than 1,300 people killed, including senior officials, since the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting U.S. facilities.
The United States has not yet issued a response to the latest IRGC claim.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Multiple outlets (Ariana News, Khaama Press) corroborate IRGC's on-record claim of shooting down a US F-35 jet, as quoted by Tasnim news agency; the verifiable fact is the IRGC statement itself.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Middle East crisis live: Iran strikes oil refinery in Kuwait, says it shot down US fighter jet | US-Israel war on Iran | The Guardiantheguardian.com
Iran has said a second US F-35 fighter jet has been shot down over Iran
- Iran claims shooting down second US F-35 fighter jet; Watch | World Newshindustantimes.com
Iran has claimed that it shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over central parts of the country
Iran said on Friday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air defences had shot down a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that it shot down a US F-35 fighter jet in central parts of the country
Across the newsrooms
Filed by 2 outlets
Ariana News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Security — Iran, IRGC, US, F-35, Tasnim
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