Iran claims missile launch, destruction of US F-35 fighter jets

Iran announced the destruction of three US F-35 fighter jets and damage to three other aircraft in attacks on bases in Jordan, but Washington denied the information.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on 30/7 announced it launched several ballistic missiles at the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan. The strikes targeted parking and maintenance facilities for US F-35 stealth fighter jets, reportedly in retaliation for a prior US attack on Qeshm island that killed three people.

The IRGC claimed to have completely destroyed three F-35s and severely damaged three other aircraft. "Several officers and technical personnel were also killed in the attack", the force stated.

Iranian missiles and UAVs heading towards Muwaffaq Salti base in Jordan in a video posted on 30/7. *Video: Tasnim*

The Iranian Guard also announced attacks on the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait on the same day. It asserted that two unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hangars and one aviation fuel tank were destroyed.

Additionally, the Iranian military claimed attacks on US targets at the Sheikh Isa airbase in Bahrain. This base houses key facilities of the US 5th Fleet.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, refuted the IRGC's claim of "destroying three F-35 fighter jets". "No US aircraft were destroyed or damaged in Iran's recent attack attempts. All missiles and UAVs were intercepted or failed to reach their targets", CENTCOM stated.

CENTCOM, however, did not address the personnel casualties cited by the IRGC. It also made no mention of the alleged attacks on the Ali Al Salem and Sheikh Isa bases.

A US F-35A fighter jet flying in the Middle East on 2/7. *Photo: USAF*

Earlier, the Jordanian military announced that its air defense forces shot down five missiles launched from Iran, reporting no casualties. Kuwait's Defense Ministry stated that one worker was injured in an Iranian attack on a building owned by a Chinese company in the country's north.

Regional conflict reignited days after the US and Iran had declared a halt to mutual attacks. President Trump said the US stopped airstrikes at Iran's request, while Tehran denied actively proposing negotiations with Washington.

The IRGC on 28/7 launched ballistic missiles at US forces stationed in Jordan. This prompted President Trump to declare he would respond forcefully against Iran.

CENTCOM later stated it conducted intense strikes on Iran, hitting "dozens of IRGC targets". These included command centers, missile and UAV facilities, surveillance and coastal defense sites, and naval operational capabilities.