US military denies Iranian claims of destroyed US jets in region

WASHINGTON

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday rejected recent claims by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that Tehran had destroyed several American fighter jets in the region.

"Iran's IRGC claims it recently destroyed several U.S. fighter jets based in the region using missiles and drones. LIE. No U.S. fighter jets have been struck by Iran," CENTCOM said on US social media company X.

The command said US Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps fighter aircraft continue to demonstrate "unmatched lethality and air superiority" during strike waves into Iran.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

A total of 13 US service members have been killed, and about 200 others were injured since the operation began.