US F-15 crash reported in Kuwait, a day after Iran shot F-15 near Strait of Hormuz

A US F-15 fighter jet has reportedly crashed in Kuwait, according to Iranian state media, which also released video footage allegedly showing the incident. The claims come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, although independent verification of the footage and details surrounding the crash remains unavailable.

The development follows earlier assertions by Iranian military officials that their air defence systems had intercepted and brought down an “enemy F-15 fighter jet” near Hormuz Island. Footage released by Iranian sources appears to capture an aerial interception followed by a bright flash, suggesting a mid-air strike. However, the exact timing, location, and identity of the aircraft shown in the video have not been independently confirmed.

Iran’s Joint Air Defence Command stated that the aircraft was targeted after being detected over the country’s southern coastline and accused of launching a missile. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari further claimed that an additional US F-16 had been hit, while earlier reports from Iranian media, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), suggested that a US F-35 had also been engaged by a newly deployed air defence system.

Meanwhile, a US official from United States Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged that an F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing in the region after coming under fire, reportedly from Iranian sources. The pilot was said to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.

The reported incidents come against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating conflict in the region. Tensions surged following a joint US-Israeli operation targeting Iranian sites on February 28, carried out during ongoing diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US positions, with explosions reported across several Gulf states.

The conflict has also had far-reaching global implications. Disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, have raised concerns over energy security, contributing to rising global oil prices. Iranian officials have warned that access to the strategic waterway could be restricted, further intensifying uncertainty in international markets.