War: ‘We did it’ – Iran admits shooting down US aircraft in Iraq

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, has claimed responsibility for the downing of a United States military refueling aircraft in western Iraq on Thursday.

In a statement, the group said it shot down the KC-135 aircraft “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.”

The claim comes amid conflicting accounts over the loss of the US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in western Iraq.

The incident occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a large-scale joint military operation by the United States and Israel targeting sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed several senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and that Iran has vowed retaliation across the region.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the loss of a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft during a mission in western Iraq, part of an operation it identified as “Operation Epic Fury.” CENTCOM said two aircraft were involved: one went down in western Iraq, while the second landed safely.

The US military stated the incident occurred in friendly airspace and did not confirm that the aircraft was brought down by hostile fire.

Iranian authorities have disputed this account. A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters claimed the aircraft was successfully targeted by Iranian-aligned air defense systems, adding that all crew members on board, including three American pilots, were killed.

Iran also alleged that a second US aircraft involved in the mission was heavily damaged and forced to make an emergency landing in Tel Aviv, a claim CENTCOM has not confirmed.

Separately, Iranian state broadcaster reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy launched missile strikes against the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya said the aircraft carrier sustained heavy damage and was rendered non-operational. The United States Navy has not confirmed this report.