TEHRAN – Iranian forces have claimed to have shot down three US fighter jets – F-15 and A-10 – escalating tensions in the region.
According to Iranian state media, two US helicopters sent to rescue the crew were also fired upon, resulting in injuries among their personnel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that a US F-35 fighter jet was targeted over central Iran, while an A-10 aircraft was reportedly downed near the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iran’s navy claimed to have struck a US warship near Qeshm Island.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to a British news agency that a US fighter jet had been lost, though further details have not been released.
The incidents have heightened tensions in the region, drawing concern from the international community.
According to the IRGC, an F-35 was shot down over central Iran, and conflicting reports suggest that the pilot may have been detained by Iranian security forces.
Western media, however, reports that the helicopters landed safely.
US President Donald Trump stated that the loss of the aircraft would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran.
“This is war, and we are in a state of war,” Trump said, emphasizing that such incidents are not unusual in these circumstances. He added that it is currently unclear whether any personnel are missing or have been harmed.
Meanwhile, Iranian armed forces have claimed to have struck US strategic radar systems and naval installations across the region, as well as 50 sites in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) public relations department announced that the Navy and Aerospace Force launched Operation Promise 4, with ballistic missiles and suicide drones targeting U.S. installations and Israeli sites.
The IRGC statement reported that the first phase of the naval operation was successful, including the destruction of a U.S. amphibious landing craft utility (LCU) vessel at the Shuwaykh port using ballistic missiles.
The statement also claimed that the AR-327 long-range 3D early warning radar at Jebel Dukhan in Bahrain was destroyed in a drone attack.
In continuation of last night’s strikes, the IRGC Aerospace Force reportedly fired two ballistic missiles that targeted and destroyed Ramat David Airbase southeast of Haifa, where Israeli F-16 fighter squadrons are stationed.
