Iran claims to shoot down US A-10 warplane near Strait of Hormuz

Iran has claimed that it shot down a US A-10 attack aircraft near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The report cited Iran’s military public relations office, saying the aircraft was targeted over waters south of the vital shipping lane.

If confirmed, this would be the first US warplane reportedly downed in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Previously, Tehran had claimed to shoot down an F-15 fighter jet.

US officials told CBS News that the F-15 crew was successfully rescued during a recovery operation.

The A-10 is a US ground-attack aircraft primarily designed to support other aircraft in missions and is highly effective against armored vehicles and ground forces.

Al Jazeera noted that Iran’s latest claim has not been independently verified.

Earlier in the conflict, three US F-15 jets were accidentally shot down over Kuwait.