The Tehran UFO Incident

On September 19, 1976, Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets were scrambled to intercept a brilliant UFO over Tehran. The pilots experienced weapons and electronics failures when approaching the object. The incident was documented in US Defense Intelligence Agency reports and remains one of the best-documented military UFO encounters.

Initial Observations

Around midnight, residents of northern Tehran began reporting a bright light in the sky. Mehrabad Airport received multiple calls, and personnel there confirmed the visual observation.

First Intercept Attempt

An F-4 Phantom was scrambled from Shahrokhi Air Force Base:

• The pilot observed a brilliant object
• As he approached to within 25 nautical miles, his instruments malfunctioned
• Communications failed
• He broke off the intercept
• Systems returned to normal when he turned away

Second Intercept Attempt

A second F-4 was scrambled:

• The pilot also observed the brilliant object
• He obtained radar lock at 27 nautical miles
• The object appeared to jump instantaneously to maintain distance

The Smaller Object

As the second pilot closed in:

• A smaller, brilliantly lit object emerged from the main UFO
• It headed directly at the F-4 at high speed
• The pilot attempted to fire an AIM-9 missile
• His weapons control panel went offline
• All communications failed

Evasive Action

The pilot took evasive action:

• He dove to escape the approaching object
• The smaller object followed, then rejoined the larger one
• His systems returned to normal after the object departed

Third Object

Another smaller object:

• Separated from the main UFO
• Descended rapidly toward the ground
• Appeared to land, casting light over a wide area
• A helicopter was sent to investigate but found nothing

US Intelligence Documentation

The incident was documented in US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reports:

• Classified assessment called it an “outstanding report”
• Noted the case met criteria for valid UFO study
• Information source considered completely reliable
• Called “a classic which meets all criteria necessary for a valid study”

Iranian Air Force Assessment

Iranian military officials:

• Considered the incident genuine
• Filed official reports
• General Parviz Jafari (one of the pilots) has spoken publicly about the case
• The military took the encounter seriously

Equipment Effects

The electronic interference was notable:

• Weapons systems failure on approach
• Communications disruption
• Instrument malfunctions
• All systems normalizing when contact broken

Significance

The Tehran incident is significant for:

• Multiple military witnesses
• Radar and visual confirmation
• Documented weapons systems failure
• Official US intelligence assessment
• Object demonstrating superior performance
• Multiple objects and complex behavior

Legacy

The Tehran incident remains one of the most compelling military UFO cases:

• Documented in official US intelligence files
• Witnesses have spoken publicly for decades
• Equipment failures suggest technological interaction
• The case demonstrates UFOs can affect military systems