Iran has claimed it successfully downed two US warplanes, showcasing the capabilities of its military’s “new advanced defence system.”
The incidents, reported in the Gulf and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, underline Tehran’s growing strategic reach and defence technology.
Iran’s military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari of the Khatam al Anbiya central headquarters, confirmed in a televised address that one US jet was downed using the country’s newly deployed defence system.
He added that another advanced fighter jet was targeted near Qeshm Island, crashing into waters between Qeshm and Hengam Islands. These strikes are presented by Iran as a direct challenge to claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the destruction of Iran’s air defence systems.
US A-10 aircraft targeted near Strait of Hormuz
According to Tasnim News Agency, the downed aircraft included a US A-10, a close air support plane designed to engage ground forces and armoured vehicles. The jet was reportedly shot down south of the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic waterway.
The incident comes amid reports of a second US combat plane crashing in the Gulf region, although these claims remain independently unverified.
Miles Caggins, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, noted the significance of losing US fighter jets in the region, emphasizing that pilots are often the most critical assets in such incidents.
He confirmed that one pilot has been rescued by US forces, while another remains missing. Analysts suggest Tehran could leverage a captured pilot for propaganda purposes or as bargaining power in future negotiations with Washington.
Through these incidents, Iran is signaling its ability to deploy sophisticated defence technology capable of challenging US airpower. Officials stress that these actions demonstrate Tehran’s readiness to protect its airspace and project power in strategic areas such as the Gulf and southern provinces.
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