American Pilot in Our Custody; Rescue Helicopter Also Shot Down... Iran Makes Big Claim
Iran has claimed that it shot down an American F-35 fighter jet and that the pilot is currently in its custody. Iran further asserts that the American helicopters dispatched to rescue the pilot were also targeted.
Amidst the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., Iran has made a significant claim. According to Iran's state-run media, its military has shot down another American fighter jet. It is reported that this was a highly advanced American F-35 combat aircraft, which was targeted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) using its air defense systems. Iran also stated that it shot down the American Black Hawk helicopters that arrived to rescue the pilot.
Based on some leaked photographs, it was reported that the U.S. had dispatched one C-130 aircraft and four Black Hawk helicopters into Iranian territory.
The Iranian military took action against these assets, labeling their presence as an intrusion.
A reporter from the Tasnim News Agency stated that after the F-35 jet was shot down, the pilot ejected and landed on Iranian soil. Since then, conflicting claims have emerged regarding the pilot's condition. Some reports suggest that the pilot has been captured by the Iranian military, while other reports indicate that the likelihood of the pilot surviving the massive explosion that occurred when the jet crashed is very low. Iran's state-run media outlets, Press TV and IRIB, also reported that a massive explosion occurred upon the jet's impact, thereby diminishing hopes for the pilot's survival.
Second American F-35 Shot Down?
A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Military Headquarters stated that this marks the second F-35 jet... ...which has been shot down over central Iran. He stated that this operation was carried out using the IRGC's new and modern air defense system. However, the United States has not yet issued any official response to these claims. Meanwhile, a media report suggests that the jet in question could potentially be an F-15E rather than an F-35.
Another enemy F-35 hit and downed by our #indigenous defence systems.
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 3, 2026
Iran is a force to be reckoned with.#Iran#F35#War pic.twitter.com/q1DhkTXrm3
Investigation into March 19 Incident Continues
Prior to this, on March 19, Iran had also claimed to have targeted a U.S. F-35 jet for the first time. However, according to a CNN report, the jet subsequently made an emergency landing following the missile attack, and the pilot remained safe. That incident is also currently under investigation.
#BREAKING
— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) April 3, 2026
More photos from the downed US F-35 fighter jet in central Iran pic.twitter.com/fG7720zOsS
