March 2026 – A dramatic claim circulating online alleges that a U.S. stealth fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, was shot down over the Persian Gulf by a relatively inexpensive Iranian missile. Despite its viral spread, there is no credible confirmation of such an incident.

No verified loss of an F-22
There are no official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense, nor reports from major international media, confirming that:

An F-22 has been shot down in the Persian Gulf
Iran successfully targeted and destroyed a U.S. stealth fighter in this manner
Given the strategic and symbolic importance of the F-22, such an event would trigger immediate global coverage and official acknowledgment, which has not occurred.

Cost comparison: misleading but attention-grabbing
The claim emphasizes a $350 million vs $2 million contrast. In reality:

The F-22’s unit cost is often cited around $150–350 million depending on accounting methods
Many modern surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles can cost hundreds of thousands to a few million dollars