Washington has not confirmed claim; drone strikes and interceptions reported across Gulf region

Tehran / Washington / Gulf Region — April 03, 2026: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet in central Iran, according to reports carried by Iranian state-linked media, as tensions continue to rise across the region.

The semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing an IRGC statement, said the aircraft was destroyed and that the fate of the pilot remains unknown. There has been no immediate confirmation or response from US officials regarding the claim.

The latest assertion follows a similar claim made by Tehran on March 19, when Iranian authorities said they had downed a US F-35 aircraft—an allegation that was rejected by Washington.

In a separate development, Iran also claimed on Thursday that it had shot down an Israeli F-16 fighter jet, though this has not been independently verified.

The reports come amid ongoing hostilities that began in late February, contributing to heightened military activity and uncertainty across the Middle East.

Last month, the US military confirmed that one of its F-35 aircraft made an emergency landing following a combat mission over Iran, noting that the pilot was in stable condition.

Meanwhile, incidents linked to the broader conflict have been reported across the Gulf region. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was struck by drones, triggering fires at operational units, though no casualties were reported.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry also said its air defence systems intercepted seven drones in recent hours, according to state media.

In Iran, a drone strike reportedly targeted a Red Crescent warehouse in Bushehr province early in the morning, damaging relief supplies and emergency vehicles. Iranian authorities said no casualties were recorded in the incident.

The escalating exchange of claims and counterclaims underscores the fragile security situation in the region, with multiple actors involved and the risk of further escalation remaining high.