Iran says it downed ‘enemy’ F-15 near Hormuz after Trump’s ‘48-hour’ warning

(Screen grab: X/tehrantimes)

Iranian state-affiliated media have claimed that its air defence systems brought down an enemy F-15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island, signalling a potential escalation in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel in the Gulf region.

According to a social media post by Tehran Times, the aircraft was intercepted over Iran’s southern coast and shot down near the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz using a surface-to-air missile.

The report described the incident as a successful operation by Iranian air defence forces against what it termed a hostile intrusion into its airspace.

A short video clip shared alongside the claim appeared to show a target being tracked through an infrared system, followed by a bright flash, suggesting a possible strike or interception.

#BREAKING An enemy's F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defense systems near Hormuz Island after being intercepted over the country’s southern coast. pic.twitter.com/jmrFuUQKbd

— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March 22, 2026

However, there has been no independent verification of the claim so far. Neither the United States nor Israel has confirmed the loss of any F-15 aircraft.

The development comes amid heightened tensions after Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of strikes on key infrastructure, including major power plants, if access is not restored.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive oil transit routes, and any military incident in the area raises immediate concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability.

Recent days have seen increased aerial activity across the Gulf, with reports of drone interceptions and missile engagements. Defence analysts warn that such incidents risk triggering a wider confrontation if retaliatory measures follow.