Iran FM: Armed forces first to shoot down “touted F-35”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the country would present the United States with “many surprises” if Washington decides to resume war in the region — pointing to claims that Iranian forces managed to shoot down US F-35 fighter jets during the latest confrontation.

“With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to war will feature many more surprises,” Araghchi wrote on the social media platform X.

Months after initiation of war on Iran, US Congress acknowledges loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions.

Our powerful Armed Forces are confirmed as 1st to strike down a touted F-35.

With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to war will feature many more surprises.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 19, 2026

The minister added that several months after the start of hostilities, the United States acknowledged the loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions of dollars. He also claimed that Iran’s armed forces were the first to destroy the much-publicised F-35 fighter jet.

By Jeyhun Aghazada