Fact Check: Did US Fighter Jets Use Indian Airspace to Strike Iran?

Amid escalating tensions following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, several social media accounts claimed that American fighter jets used Indian airspace to carry out the attack. However, the Government of India has firmly denied these allegations, calling them "fake."

The clarification came from the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit, which functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

"Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE," PIB Fact Check said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer," the post further stated.

The statement came amid rising speculation online after the US bombed three of Iran's nuclear sites overnight, with President Donald Trump warning of further strikes if Iran retaliates.

To clear any confusion, officials pointed to a press briefing by General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who detailed the actual route taken by the US aircraft. According to the Indian government, none of the flight paths involved Indian airspace.

The statement aims to dispel misinformation that could otherwise stoke unnecessary geopolitical speculation, especially amid rising global attention on the Israel-Iran conflict and its spillover effects.

India has reiterated its position of non-involvement and has urged the public to verify information before sharing unverified posts online.