CENTCOM debunks Iran’s claim of shooting down US F-15, highlights 'Epic Fury' air operations

WASHINGTON, DC: Central Command (CENTCOM) has dismissed reports claiming that a US F-15 jet near Hormuz Island was shot down after allegedly entering Iranian airspace. CENTCOM issued a fact-check confirming no such incident occurred.

As the US‑Iran war, which began with coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, enters its fourth week, CENTCOM has been actively issuing accurate updates, correcting misinformation, and pushing back against false media claims about US military operations, personnel, and equipment.

CENTCOM debunks false report about US F-15 near Iran

CENTCOM quickly corrected reports about a US F-15. On Sunday, March 22, they shared a post addressing the false claims: "FALSE: Rumors claim the Iranian regime recently shot down a US F-15 over Iran."

They clarified the truth: "US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during 'Operation Epic Fury.' No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran." The post also included a large image of the CENTCOM official logo with “FACT CHECK” in caps.

The military has repeatedly denied similar Iranian claims. Previously, Iran said multiple F-15 jets were shot down over Kuwait, but CENTCOM confirmed those were friendly-fire incidents, rejecting any shootdown claims.

This is not the first time CENTCOM has fact-checked reports. They have rejected several claims by Iran about the ongoing conflict, calling them “fake news” and accusing Tehran of spreading misinformation about American losses.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), CENTCOM addressed false Iranian claims that US forces were withdrawing, that a US destroyer had been sunk, that American fighter jets were shot down, and that 100 US Marines were killed.

“More fake news from the Iranian regime: The regime claims US forces are withdrawing, they say they sank a US destroyer, the IRGC claims to have taken down US fighter aircraft, and the regime says they killed 100 US Marines. ALL LIES,” CENTCOM wrote.

They added that American forces destroyed more than 20 Iranian vessels using overwhelming firepower from air, land, and sea. “US military power projection capability is unmatched. ALL FACTS,” CENTCOM said, again sharing a large “Fact Check” image with the US Central Command logo.

Iranian air defenses engage US F-15 as 'Operation Epic Fury' continues

Amid ongoing strikes under 'Operation Epic Fury', Iran has claimed it shot down a US F-15 fighter jet near the Strait of Hormuz. The claim comes as US-led forces continue heavy airstrikes on Iranian military sites, naval assets, and key infrastructure in the region.

According to Iran’s Army Public Relations Office, the jet was first detected and tracked before being targeted with a surface-to-air missile. Officials said the aircraft had either entered Iranian airspace or was flying close to sensitive areas.

They described the action as a response to “enemy” activity. Authorities also said investigations are ongoing to confirm the outcome and identify any debris. Videos shared by Iran-linked channels claim to show the interception.