Unverified images from Iran show apparent debris of USAF F-15E 

Unverified images circulating on social media on April 3, 2026, appear to show the wreckage of a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle on Iranian soil.  

If authentic, markings visible on the remains of a vertical stabilizer would identify the aircraft as belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron, part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.  

However, neither the images’ origin nor the circumstances of the alleged crash have yet to be independently confirmed. 

IRGC claimed an F-35 kill, but markings point to an F-15E 

The debris was initially presented by Iranian media as evidence of a second F-35 Lightning II shootdown. The spokesperson for the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters claimed that the aircraft had been hit by a new air defense system over central Iran. However, the tail markings visible in the images, including what appears to be the US Air Forces in Europe badge and the 494th Fighter Squadron’s red tail flash, are consistent with an F-15E, rather than an F-35. 

Separate images appear to show a sizeable impact crater with a burn scar, surrounded by mountainous terrain. 

Separately, the IRGC had released footage on April 2, 2026, claiming the interception of what it called an F-35 near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command debunked that specific claim, posting on X that all US fighter aircraft were accounted for. CENTCOM has not commented on the debris images. 

Some observers suggested that the debris could have originated from the March 2, 2026, friendly fire incident in which three F-15Es were shot down by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighter while returning from combat missions. All six crew members in that incident managed to eject safely.