Iranian air defense forces shot down a "hostile aircraft" over the Persian Gulf on the night of 28/5, according to Iranian state media reports. Masoud Tangestani, head of Jam district in Bushehr province, informed Tasnim news agency today that air defenses fired during the night and destroyed the aircraft, adding that Jam city had returned to normal. State television IRIB later confirmed the interception occurred on the night of 28/5, with Fars news agency citing regional sources that Iranian air defense systems struck the aircraft, causing it to crash into the sea.

Iran's Sevom Khordad air defense system fires in an image released in 1/2025. *Photo: Tehran Times*

Witnesses in Bushehr province, located along the Persian Gulf coast, reported hearing several explosions, described as the sound of air defense systems firing. IRIB also noted a large explosion within Jam city.

Iranian officials have not released further information regarding the type or origin of the downed aircraft. No other country in the region has commented on the incident.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, denied speculation that the downed aircraft belonged to the United States. "All US air assets are accounted for. None have been shot down," CENTCOM stated.

Location of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

The incident occurred more than three days after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a US MQ-9 reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) off Iran's southern coast. A RQ-4 global hawk long-range reconnaissance aircraft and an F-35 stealth fighter also departed Iranian airspace under fire pressure.

Bushehr province is home to Iran's only operational nuclear power plant, a facility that has drawn international attention for decades. Its location on the Persian Gulf also gives the province significant strategic and military importance in the region.

By Thanh Danh (Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, Turkiye Today)