Fact Check: Iran shot down f 35

Published June 21, 2025

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VERDICT

False

# Fact Check: "Iran Shot Down F-35" ## What We Know In mid-June 2025, during escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Iranian state media claimed...

Fact Check: "Iran Shot Down F-35"

What We Know

In mid-June 2025, during escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Iranian state media claimed that Iran had successfully shot down three Israeli F-35 fighter jets. This assertion was accompanied by an image circulated on social media, purportedly showing one of the downed jets with its left wing broken off and surrounded by onlookers (Snopes). However, investigations into the authenticity of the image revealed that it likely does not depict an actual F-35. The dimensions of the jet in the image were inconsistent with the known specifications of the F-35, which is approximately 14 feet tall, 35 feet wide, and 51 feet long (U.S. Air Force).

Iranian military sources, including PressTV, claimed that this marked the first successful downing of a fifth-generation stealth aircraft, asserting that the jets were shot down using advanced tactics (Military Watch). However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have categorically denied these claims, stating that "Iran didn't shoot down any Israeli fighter jets" and labeling the narrative as a "fake victory" (Snopes).

Analysis

The claims made by Iran regarding the downing of F-35 jets lack credible evidence. The image that circulated on social media has been deemed suspicious for several reasons. First, a reverse-image search yielded no reliable news reports confirming its authenticity (Snopes). Second, the scale of the jet relative to the people in the image suggests it is too large to be an F-35, indicating that the image may be digitally altered or AI-generated (Snopes).

Moreover, while Iranian media outlets like PressTV and others reported the shootdowns, these sources are known to have a state-sponsored bias, which raises questions about the reliability of their claims (PressTV). The IDF's denial, backed by the absence of any corroborating evidence from independent sources, further undermines the credibility of Iran's assertions.

Additionally, the claims of capturing pilots have not been substantiated with any visual proof, which is a critical aspect of validating such significant military achievements (Tech ARP).

In contrast, credible military analysts and fact-checking organizations have pointed out that the F-35's advanced stealth capabilities make it challenging to detect and engage successfully, especially against a well-prepared adversary (Military Watch). This context further complicates Iran's claims, as the operational history of the F-35 suggests that it is designed to evade detection and interception.

Conclusion

The claim that Iran shot down F-35 fighter jets is False. The evidence presented, including the dubious nature of the circulated image and the lack of credible corroboration from independent sources, strongly indicates that the claims are unfounded. The IDF's firm denial and the absence of visual proof supporting Iran's assertions further reinforce this conclusion.

Sources

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