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Later in a big uproar in the current US-Iran war, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran published video recordings on March 19, 2026, alleging that its sophisticated air defense cannon fired and struck a US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft in central Iran around 2:50 AM local time.

What is believed to be a missile lock-on and strike against an aircraft is displayed by the thermal/IR-style clip, and Iran claims it caused massive destruction to the already damaged ₹931 crore (approximately 100-110 million) fifth-generation jet, causing it to make an emergency landing that was made at a nearby US base. The IRGC rejoiced at it as a breakthrough against one of the most advanced fighters of the world.

The US media, such as CNN and CENTCOM reports, verified that the F-35 was shot down by possible Iranian fire during combat operations but safely landed with the pilot still afloat. The attack is in no way closed, and it is the first overture at the US aircraft during the war. Scholars observe that the authenticity of the video remains undetermined, and propaganda is typical of wars, but it has led to the debate on stealth weaknesses and air defenses in the world.