U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released video footage showing American military strikes destroying Iranian warplanes on the ground, signaling a systematic reduction of Iran’s air capabilities amid ongoing conflict. CENTCOM stated that the Iranian regime is “losing air capability day by day” and emphasized that U.S. forces are actively dismantling Iranian threats rather than merely defending against them.
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The footage, shared on CENTCOM’s social media, includes images of Iranian aircraft being hit and exploding on the tarmac. CENTCOM also refuted claims by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leader who alleged that a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down near Tehran, labeling the claim as false and reiterating U.S. air superiority over large parts of Iran. No U.S. fighter jets have been downed by Iranian forces, according to the command.
This development aligns with reports emphasizing the aging condition of Iran’s aircraft fleet, which contrasts with the more advanced U.S. and Israeli fleets, including the F-35. Experts note that Iran increasingly relies on its ballistic missile program, which has been targeted by strikes from both American and Israeli forces.
Earlier this month, CENTCOM reported that three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during combat operations that also involved Iranian attacks from aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. The six American aircrew members involved safely ejected and were recovered. Kuwait has acknowledged the friendly fire incident.
The strikes against Iranian air assets underscore ongoing U.S. efforts to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure in the region. The releases come amid heightened tensions and continued hostilities between U.S. and Iranian forces.
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