An exceptionally dangerous incident unfolded over the Strait of Hormuz when an Iranian air-defense battery fired a surface-to-air missile at one of the U.S. military’s most advanced aircraft—an F-35 stealth fighter.

According to a report first published by Axios, the F-35 was providing air cover for oil tankers and commercial vessels traveling through the strategic waterway when the missile was launched.

The missile did not come close enough to pose a direct threat to the aircraft, and the incident ended without casualties or damage. Nevertheless, Iran’s decision to fire on an advanced U.S. fighter marked a significant escalation and raised serious concerns within Washington’s defense establishment.

Aviation experts and security officials stressed that the launch does not necessarily mean Iran succeeded in achieving a full radar lock on the stealth fighter.

On the modern battlefield, attempts to target stealth aircraft generally rely on one of three methods: “blind” or statistical fire toward an area where an aircraft is believed to be operating; passive thermal or optical sensors that do not emit radar signals and therefore may not trigger the aircraft’s warning systems; or low-frequency radar capable of detecting the general presence of an aircraft but lacking the precision needed to guide a missile directly to its target.

The prevailing assessment is that the missile was fired using optical or thermal targeting, or as a deterrent intended to demonstrate Iran’s ability and willingness to challenge U.S. aircraft in the area.

Nevertheless, U.S. Central Command officials are treating the incident seriously, as it demonstrates Tehran’s willingness to raise the stakes even at the risk of triggering a direct confrontation with American forces.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)