New Delhi: Iran has claimed that it has “successfully targeted” an American F-18 fighter jet as the ongoing Middle East crisis escalates. Tehran also shared a purported video of the attack showing a fighter jet losing control and plunging after being hit by what appeared to be a ballistic missile in mid-air.
Sharing the video on X, Iran’s Press TV wrote, “Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announces that it has successfully targeted an American F-18 fighter jet.” The post, however, did not mention the date or location of the attack.
Breaking:
A U.S. military #F18 has been struck by fire from Iran’s integrated air defense network.#Breaking #Iran #US #AirDefense #Military pic.twitter.com/HbXe5DAzwi— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) March 25, 2026
American forces, however, rejected the claims and said no fighter jet was shot down. “FALSE: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a US F/A-18 fighter was struck over Chabahar using new advanced air defence systems. TRUE: No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.
Last week, Iran claimed that the IRCG shot down US’ F-15 jets. CENTCOM rejected that claim too and said “US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury.” No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran.”
Earlier, Tehran claimed to have hit a US F-35 stealth fighter jet after it made an emergency landing at an American base in the Middle East. The fighter jet was on a combat operation over Iranian airspace. US officials confirmed the incident but remained tight-lipped on Iran’s role in the incident.
Israel and the US jointly attacked Iran on February 28, targeting its nuclear-related infrastructure, missile capabilities and naval forces. Nearly a month into the war, the Trump administration proposed a ceasefire. Tehran, however, rejected the truce proposal.