Iran Claims Second F-35 Shoot-Down Over Central Iran

As of Friday, April 3, 2026 (12:23 PM PKT), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a high-profile claim through state media that it successfully shot down a second U.S. F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet. This incident reportedly occurred over central Iranian airspace and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing “Operation Epic Fury.”

The Incident: Modern Air Defenses vs. Stealth

According to a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and the IRGC Aerospace Force:

• The Target: An advanced fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet, allegedly belonging to a squadron linked to RAF Lakenheath.
• The Weapon: The IRGC claims the jet was intercepted by a “newly deployed, modern air-defense system” that was recently integrated into their southern and central defensive tiers.
• The Crash: The aircraft reportedly exploded mid-air and crashed in a remote part of central Iran. Due to the intensity of the “massive explosion,” Iranian officials have stated that the pilot is unlikely to have survived or had the opportunity to eject.

Verification & Official Responses

• U.S. Position: As of mid-day Friday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed the loss. Historically, during this conflict, CENTCOM has been quick to dismiss such claims as “misinformation.”
• Previous Precedent: This is the second time Iran has claimed to down an F-35. A similar claim on March 19 was rejected by Washington, though some independent analysts noted a U.S. aircraft had made an “emergency landing” at a regional base around that time.
• Current Status: Without wreckage photos or pilot identification, independent military experts are treating the claim with caution, noting that both sides are heavily engaged in psychological warfare.

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