CENTCOM Denies Iranian Claims of Downed F/A-18 Hornet

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has officially rejected claims made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) regarding the downing of an American fighter jet.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the IRGC announced that its naval air defense systems had successfully struck a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet over the southeastern port of Chabahar. Iranian state media released footage purportedly showing the engagement and claimed the aircraft crashed into the Indian Ocean.

CENTCOM responded shortly after with a direct “Fact Check” on social media: [See the Source Post}

🚫FALSE: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a U.S. F/A-18 fighter was struck over Chabahar using new advanced air defense systems.

✅TRUE: No U.S. fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran. pic.twitter.com/I25QFjYo0l

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 25, 2026

The News is widely reported by the Iranian news agencies. [Links included]