Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a purported video showing a US F-15 fighter jet chasing at least two Iranian Shahed drones over Iraqi skies has gone viral on social media. The footage shows a dramatic chase before causing a massive ground explosion and sending dense smoke plumes up the sky.
The video shared by several Iran-backed accounts claimed that American F-15 aircraft, costing USD 1 million “failed to intercept” cheap Iranian Shahed-136 drones, costing USD 20,000. The footage shows a duel over Iraqi skies during an Iranian strike on a British engine oil company in Erbil on Wednesday. The drone later struck a facility, Castrol oil plant operated by the Sardar Group, causing massive fire.
Video Goes Viral
An account with 1.2 million followers shared the video on X, and wrote, “Footage shows a U.S. Air Force F-15 pursuing but failing to intercept a low-flying Iranian Shahed drone over northern Iraq. The drone later struck near a burning Castrol facility in Erbil.”
Footage shows a U.S. Air Force F-15 pursuing but failing to intercept a low-flying Iranian Shahed drone over northern Iraq. The drone later struck near a burning Castrol facility in Erbil. pic.twitter.com/qrLDwFObcZ
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 1, 2026
However, the video has not been confirmed by any of the sides. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), who is constantly involved in the fact checking of such videos, has also not commented on the matter.
Trump Says US 'Nearing' Success
Earlier on Thursday, in a televised address to the nation, Trump said the US was nearing success in its military objectives in the conflict with Iran. He claimed that US forces had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy and air force, while also damaging its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
“Iran's navy is gone, their air force is in ruins, their leaders, most of them... are now dead. Their command and control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is being decimated, their ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed, and their weapons, factories, and rocket launchers are being blown to pieces,” Trump said.