Iranian media says air defence downed F-15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island
Iranian media on Sunday claimed that the country’s air defence systems shot down an “enemy” F-15 Eagle near Hormuz Island, hours after Donald Trump warned Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
According to the Tehran Times, the aircraft was intercepted by Iranian air defence systems over the southern coast near Hormuz Island.
The outlet also shared a 29-second video on X, claiming it showed Iranian forces detecting and shooting down the fighter jet. However, the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.
#BREAKING
An enemy’s F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defense systems near Hormuz Island after being intercepted over the country’s southern coast. pic.twitter.com/jmrFuUQKbd— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March 22, 2026
Ownership of jet unclear
It remains unclear whether the F-15 aircraft belonged to the United States Air Force or the Israel Defense Forces. Neither country has issued an official statement regarding the reported incident.
The claim surfaced shortly after Trump issued a warning that the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, an Iranian official said the waterway remains closed only to Iran’s “enemies” and that Tehran is willing to work with international organisations and neighbouring countries to improve maritime security.
Earlier claim involving F-35
Iranian media had earlier claimed that a F-35 Lightning II had been damaged by Iranian air defence systems, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in another Middle Eastern country.
The US military later confirmed that an F-35 flying a combat mission over Iran had made an emergency landing and that the pilot was safe, adding that an investigation into the incident had been launched.
Previous F-15 losses in conflict
According to reports, at least four F-15 fighter jets have been lost during the ongoing conflict. Earlier this month, Kuwaiti forces reportedly shot down three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft by mistake, though all pilots managed to eject safely.
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