IRGC Claims Downing US F/A-18; CENTCOM Denies Loss; Iran Rejects US Ceasefire

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted through state media that it had downed a US F/A-18 in the Chabahar region, describing the strike as the fourth interception of Western jets by Iran’s indigenous air defenses.

“Follow Us : 🚫FALSE: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a U”

Deccan Herald

US Central Command quickly rejected the claim, posting on X that "No U.S. fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran."

Deccan Herald

Iran’s claim was circulated as Press TV posted footage of the purported incident on X.

Iran also pressed a political line, rejecting a US ceasefire proposal and insisting any truce would come only on its terms.

"Iran will end the war when it decides to, not when Trump envisions its conclusion," an official said, and Tehran listed conditions including a halt to attacks, guarantees against future conflict, compensation for war damage, an end to hostilities across all fronts, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

IRGC described the incident as carried out by an 'advanced air defense system' operated by the IRGC Navy under the command of the Basij.

The engagement occurred near Iran's Gulf of Oman coast, close to Chabahar.

Mint

The IRGC framed it as the 'fourth successful interception' of Western fighters.

As of the announcement, the U.S. had offered no comment on the claimed shootdown, and CENTCOM had not confirmed a loss.

Republic World noted CENTCOM's denial, and Mint highlighted that the Iranian video circulated as unverified.

CENTCOM denial was echoed across outlets, including the Times of India and Mint.

“Updated 26 March 2026 at 00:24 IST Iran's IRGC Shares Video Caliming Successful Hit on US F-18 Fighter Jet, Washington Denies | Watch Iran’s IRGC claims it targeted a US F-18 fighter jet amid rising tensions with Washington; no confirmation yet from the US, and footage shared remains unverified”

Republic World

Republic World noted CENTCOM's denial.

Shafaq News reported US denial of the downing claim.

WION highlighted that CENTCOM dismissed the reports as false.

Iran rejected a US ceasefire plan, warning that strikes would continue until its demands are met.

"Iran's conditions include a halt to attacks, guarantees against future conflict, compensation for war damage, an end to hostilities across all fronts, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz."

The Indian Express

This comes amid US President Donald Trump’s push for a peace plan, with Iran resisting direct talks, according to Western coverage.

The Indian Express notes that mediation attempts are being conveyed through intermediaries and should not be treated as formal negotiations with Washington.