File 90836 · September 19, 1976
Tehran 1976 UFO Encounter
Tehran, Iran
Opened 9/27/2026
Ledger illustration of the file — not a photograph of the object. Ledger illustration of the report. — Night Ledger illustration of the file
Standing
Unidentified
On the public record, and still open. A claim, paper, or film — not a finding that it was ours, and not a finding that it was not.
DIA Intelligence Information Report describing the sequence, electromagnetic effects, and analyst evaluation as 'classic'.
What was claimed
Multiple civilian reports led to two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets being scrambled. Pilots experienced radar lock, electromagnetic interference disabling instruments and weapons systems, and a smaller object separating from the main craft. Documented in a detailed U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report rated highly credible.
What is on the record
This file is a working record — a report, not a verdict. Official paper, if any, is linked where we have it.
On the night of September 19, 1976, citizens in northern Tehran (Shemiran) reported a bright, glowing object to authorities. The Imperial Iranian Air Force scrambled an F-4 Phantom from Shahrokhi Air Base. As the jet approached, its communications and instruments failed; systems returned after the pilot turned away. A second F-4, crewed by Lt. Parviz Jafari and Lt. Jalal Damirian, achieved radar lock on the object (size comparable to a Boeing 707 tanker) at up to 70 miles. The craft emitted intense flashing lights (red, green, orange, blue). When the crew attempted to fire a missile, weapons systems failed completely. A smaller bright object detached and approached the jet, forcing evasive maneuvers; another object descended toward the ground. Multiple ground and airborne witnesses, including commercial pilots, observed the events. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency produced a detailed report calling it 'an outstanding report' and 'a classic' meeting all criteria for a valid UFO study, with high source reliability.
Could this have been ours?
The known sky, that night.
Satellites were already up. The station was not. Starlink was not.
Always
Venus and the bright planets
A fixed brilliant point. Does not streak. Does not hover over a street then leave. Often the first misread light in a rural report.
Always
Aircraft, balloons, meteors
Landing lights, flares, lanterns, reentries, fireballs. They are on the known sky. They do not close a file by themselves — they are what a serious look has to hold the claim against.
Orbit · Space — the desks for lights that are already named.
Sources
Related files
Same craft, same place, same years. A neighbor in the catalogue — not a conclusion.
Same place · Same year · 19 September 1976
Tehran intercept
Tehran · Iran
Unidentified
Iranian F-4s scrambled after a brilliant object over the city. Avionics and weapons failed on approach. A Defense Intelligence report called the case outstanding.
Same place · Same year · September 19, 1976
Tehran UFO Incident
Tehran · Iran
Unidentified
Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets intercepted a large bright UFO over Tehran. The object emitted smaller objects and interfered with aircraft electronics and communications. Radar-visual confirmation from multiple sources including ground control.
Same place · Same year · September 19, 1976, ~12:30–1:40 a.m.
Tehran UFO Dogfight
Tehran · Iran
Unidentified
Multiple Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom pilots and ground radar tracked a large bright object and a smaller detached craft. Both aircraft experienced total electrical and communications failure when approaching, with weapons systems locking out. A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report described it as a high-credibility unexplained event.
Same place · September 19, 1976
Tehran F-4 Interceptor Incident
Tehran · Iran
Unidentified
Multiple witnesses including commercial pilots and ground observers reported a bright diamond-shaped object. Two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets were scrambled; both experienced total electromagnetic interference (communications, instruments, weapons systems) when approaching. A smaller object detached and approached one jet. Documented in a detailed U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency re
Same craft · Mid-September 2026 (reported around Sep 17, described as Monday evening)
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A resident returning home from work filmed a large glowing anomaly hovering over his house. The object was described as the size of a car. The sighting caused amazement among multiple people who also saw the strange illumination.
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Dozens Report Large Object Lit Up Sky at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, CO
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Dozens of people, including a group at the amphitheatre, observed an odd object approximately three stories long that lit up the sky for about 30 seconds before vanishing. It was not identified as an airplane or shooting star. Local news covered the multiple-witness event.