New tensions are rising in the Middle East following conflicting statements from Iran and the United States, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have carried out a missile strike against a U.S. air base in Jordan. According to the Iranian side, ballistic missiles were launched at Al-Azraq Air Base, allegedly destroying three American F-35 fighter jets and damaging three additional aircraft. The IRGC stated that the attack was carried out in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Qeshm Island, which, according to Tehran, resulted in the deaths of three civilians the previous night.
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CENTCOM: “No American aircraft were destroyed,” says command regarding the F-35s
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, flatly denied the IRGC’s claims. “No American aircraft were destroyed or damaged in recent Iranian attack attempts. All missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach their intended targets,” the command announced via X.
Iranian state media had earlier reported that the oil tanker M/T Nora had managed to break through a naval blockade imposed by the United States. CENTCOM also denied this claim.
