Iran claims second US F-35 downed as Washington rejects reports
Shafaq News- Tehran
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday it had shot down a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran, marking the second such claim within 24 hours.
A statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said the aircraft was hit while flying over Markazi province, leading to its destruction, adding that the pilot’s chances of survival were “very low.” Iranian state media also circulated images it said showed the wreckage of the aircraft.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected similar claims, stating that “All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for” and that Iran’s IRGC has made the same allegation “at least half a dozen times.”
🚫 CLAIM: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it downed an "enemy" fighter jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.✅ FACT: All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for. Iran's IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times. pic.twitter.com/bN7HJdLxEr
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 2, 2026
The Iranian army announced earlier that about 146 US aircraft, including drones and jets, were downed since February 28, while Washington has consistently denied such claims, acknowledging only that some jets returned safely or conducted emergency landings after combat missions.
