Iran says it downed F-15 near Hormuz Island

2026-03-22 - 15:30

TEHRAN — Iran claimed Sunday that its air defense systems shot down an F-15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island in the country’s south, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.Citing a statement from Iran’s Joint Air Defense Command, ISNA said the warplane was intercepted over the southern coast after it allegedly fired a missile before being targeted by Iranian defenses.No independent confirmation was immediately available, and no details were provided.The claim comes amid escalating regional tensions following the US-Israeli offensive on Iran that began on Feb. 28, which has reportedly killed more than 1,300 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.