The Tehran Incident

On September 19, 1976, two Iranian F-4 Phantom jets scrambled to intercept a UFO over Tehran. Both experienced weapons and communications failures when approaching the object, which demonstrated superior capabilities.

The Alert

Citizens reported:

• Bright object
• Over Tehran
• Multiple calls
• Air Force notified
• General Yousefi saw it himself

First F-4

Lieutenant Yadhi:

• Launched 1:30 AM
• Approached object
• At 25 miles, systems failed
• Communications dead
• Weapons inoperative
• Forced to return

System Restoration

When jet turned away:

• Systems returned
• Immediately
• Clear pattern
• Object affected electronics

Second F-4

Lieutenant Jafari:

• Better approach
• Radar lock achieved
• Size of tanker jet
• Closed distance
• Object responded

Smaller Object

From main UFO:

• Object emerged
• Came at Jafari
• High speed
• Threatening approach
• He tried to fire

Weapons Failure

AIM-9 attempt:

• System completely dead
• All weapons offline
• Communications gone
• Defenseless
• Terrifying

DIA Evaluation

US Defense Intelligence Agency:

• Obtained reports
• Called it “classic case”
• Met all criteria
• Genuine unknown
• Outstanding documentation

Significance

One of the best-documented military UFO encounters with documented weapons system interference.

Legacy

The Tehran case remains significant for the DIA’s characterization as a “classic” unknown and the repeated electronic warfare effects on military aircraft.