On Camera: US F-15 Chases Iran’s Shahed Drone Over Iraq Skies (WATCH)

A viral video, shared by pro-Iran accounts, allegedly shows a US F-15 failing to intercept an Iranian Shahed drone over Iraq, which reportedly struck an oil facility. While unverified by officials, the footage has sparked debate on the effectiveness of expensive fighter jets against low-cost drones.

A dramatic video circulating on social media has brought fresh attention to the evolving nature of modern warfare, allegedly showing a US F-15 fighter jet chasing an Iranian Shahed drone over Iraq. The footage, widely shared by Iran-linked accounts, has sparked debate over the effectiveness of traditional air power against low-cost drone technology.

According to reports, the video captures a high-speed aerial chase in Iraqi airspace, followed by a large explosion on the ground and a plume of smoke. The incident is believed to be linked to a drone strike targeting a British-owned oil facility in Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, which reportedly caught fire after the attack.

The viral clips have been amplified by pro-Iran channels, which claim that the advanced US fighter jet was unable to intercept the drone. One widely shared post read: “United States $80M fighter jet vs Iran's cheap drone—and the drone still wins. Iranian Shahed evades US F-15 over Iraq, strikes near Castrol facility in Erbil. Airpower dominance is collapsing into asymmetry.”

These claims, however, remain unverified. Neither the United States nor its allies have officially confirmed the authenticity of the video or the details surrounding the alleged interception failure.

The reported drone involved is believed to be part of Iran’s Shahed series, known for being relatively inexpensive yet increasingly effective in combat scenarios. Such drones have become a central feature of Iran’s military strategy, allowing it to conduct long-range strikes without deploying costly aircraft.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where drone warfare has become a defining aspect of the ongoing conflict. In recent weeks, multiple drone attacks have targeted key installations, including military bases, oil infrastructure, and diplomatic sites, underscoring the growing threat posed by unmanned systems.

Experts say the episode—if confirmed—highlights a broader shift in modern warfare, where cheaper, expendable drones can challenge highly sophisticated and expensive fighter jets. This imbalance has raised concerns among military analysts about the future of air superiority and the need for advanced counter-drone systems.

While the viral video continues to circulate, it also underscores the role of information warfare, with competing narratives shaping public perception of battlefield outcomes. As tensions between the US and Iran remain high, such incidents are likely to fuel both strategic reassessments and propaganda battles in the ongoing conflict.