The Tehran UFO Incident

On September 19, 1976, a brilliant UFO appeared over Tehran, Iran, prompting the Imperial Iranian Air Force to scramble F-4 Phantom jets. The encounter that followed became one of the most well-documented military UFO cases in history.

The Object

At 12:30 AM, residents began calling about a bright object in the sky. The object was described as brilliant, intensely colored, and much larger than a star. It seemed to change shape and emit smaller objects.

The Intercepts

Two F-4 Phantoms were scrambled to investigate. The first jet experienced complete instrumentation and communication failure as it approached the object; systems returned when it moved away. The second jet locked onto the object with weapons systems.

The Weapons Failure

As the second pilot prepared to fire an AIM-9 missile, his weapons control panel went dead. A smaller object detached from the main UFO and headed directly at his aircraft. The pilot took evasive action, but his systems remained non-functional.

The Documentation

The encounter was documented in a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report, which called it “a classic case which meets all the criteria necessary for a valid study.” The report was later declassified.

Assessment

The Tehran incident demonstrates UFO capability to selectively disable military weapons systems. The DIA evaluation and the credibility of Iranian Air Force personnel make this one of the most significant military UFO encounters on record.