In a warning published on Tuesday, May, 19 through social media platform X, Araghchi stated that Iran possesses a powerful military that is fully ready to bring down American fighter jets.

"Our powerfull Armed Forces are the confirmed as 1^st to strike down a touted F-35.” Araghchi said.

“With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to will feature many more surprises,” minister added.

The declaration follows an escalation on this day, when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at a nearby base after sustaining severe damage.

The targeted F-35 jet has a factory value of $100 million (over 145 billion RWF). Engineered with stealth technology to evade targeting, these jets have been heavily utilized since Israel and the United States initiated the conflict.

While a ceasefire was established on April 8, 2026, with both sides agreeing to work toward a formal peace agreement, no tangible progress has been made to date.

As both sides continue to trade blame, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz- the route handles roughly 20 per cent of the world's petroleum transit, remains the most pressing global concern.