Western media outlets are misleading the public about three American fighter jets that were shot down during the fighting in the Middle East, the publication L’AntiDiplomatico writes.

According to the article, the same Western media previously described the tragedy in Minab — where 110 schoolgirls were killed after Israeli missiles struck a school building — as a mistake by Iranian air defense. Now, the outlet claims, those media are spreading reports that three US Air Force F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. The authors argue that a more plausible explanation could be the large number of Iranian missiles and drones flying over the region at the time.

The article states that the «friendly fire» explanation appears highly questionable. It notes that modern military aircraft and airbase control systems use the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system — an automated identification system based on encrypted code exchanges between aircraft transponders and ground control towers. This system is specifically designed to prevent incidents of friendly fire.

Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that three American F-15E fighter jets had been mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defense systems. According to the statement, the incident occurred during combat operations that included attacks involving Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Israeli officials said the strikes were intended to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump said he intended to destroy Iran’s naval forces and defense industry and called on the country’s citizens to overthrow the current government.

During the night on Sunday, Iranian television reported the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Media reports also said that his daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and daughter-in-law were killed in the US and Israeli strikes.

According to reports, missiles are hitting not only military facilities but also civilian infrastructure both in Iran and in other countries across the region. Tehran, in response, has launched attacks on Israeli territory and on US military bases in the Middle East.

Russia has stated that the operation carried out by Washington and Tel Aviv has nothing to do with preserving the nuclear non-proliferation regime and called for a return to negotiations. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow is ready to assist in diplomatic efforts, including at the UN Security Council.