In a message posted on X, he said Iran possesses a strong military that is ready to target American warplanes.
“Our military became the first in the world to shoot down an American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. From the lessons we learned and the experience we gained, if we return to war we will come with many new surprises that will shock this country,” he said.
On March 19, 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it had shot down an American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, which reportedly made an emergency landing at a nearby military base after suffering major damage.
The F-35 aircraft reportedly brought down by Iran is valued at around $100 million (over RWF 145 billion). It is equipped with advanced stealth technology designed to make it difficult to target, and it has been widely used since Israel and the United States launched the war.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026, when the allied countries launched strikes inside Iran that reportedly killed several senior leaders, including Ali Khamenei, who was Iran’s Supreme Leader.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8, 2026, with both sides agreeing to negotiate, although no agreement has been reached so far.
The two countries have continued accusing each other, but one of the biggest concerns remains the closure of the Strait of Hormuz because of the war.
The closure has caused major global economic concerns, since around 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Abbas Araghchi Warns United States of More F-35 Losses if Strikes on Iran Resume
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, has declared that Iran is prepared to shoot down more American fighter jets if the United States resumes attacks on Iran.
In a message posted on X, he said Iran possesses a strong military that is ready to target American warplanes.
“Our military became the first in the world to shoot down an American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. From the lessons we learned and the experience we gained, if we return to war we will come with many new surprises that will shock this country,” he said.
On March 19, 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it had shot down an American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, which reportedly made an emergency landing at a nearby military base after suffering major damage.
The F-35 aircraft reportedly brought down by Iran is valued at around $100 million (over RWF 145 billion). It is equipped with advanced stealth technology designed to make it difficult to target, and it has been widely used since Israel and the United States launched the war.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28, 2026, when the allied countries launched strikes inside Iran that reportedly killed several senior leaders, including Ali Khamenei, who was Iran’s Supreme Leader.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8, 2026, with both sides agreeing to negotiate, although no agreement has been reached so far.
The two countries have continued accusing each other, but one of the biggest concerns remains the closure of the Strait of Hormuz because of the war.
The closure has caused major global economic concerns, since around 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
