By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Iran Claims Historic Hit on $100m US F-35 as War Tensions Surge
The conflict in the Middle East took a dramatic turn on Thursday after Iran claimed it had struck a United States F-35 stealth fighter jet—an aircraft widely seen as a cornerstone of modern American air power.
The claim came from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which said its air defence systems engaged the jet in central Iranian airspace around 2:50 a.m. local time.
Iranian officials described the strike as unprecedented, suggesting it could be the first time the country has successfully hit the advanced fifth-generation aircraft. However, they noted that the jet’s final status remains unclear, with investigations ongoing.
A video allegedly capturing the moment of impact has been circulating online and was shared by an Iranian diplomatic account, though it has not been independently verified.
The United States Air Force confirmed that one of its F-35 Lightning II aircraft encountered trouble during an operation over Iran.
According to US defence officials, the jet came under missile fire and was forced to make an emergency landing at a military base in the region. The pilot was reported safe, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The development adds to growing tensions in a conflict that began in late February, with both the United States and Israel deploying high-end military assets.
The F-35, valued at over $100 million, is considered one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world.
Iran further claimed that its air defence network has intercepted over 125 US and Israeli drones in recent weeks, pointing to what it described as significant improvements in its military capabilities.
Despite the incident, US officials insist their campaign remains on track. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that operations are progressing successfully, adding that Iran’s air defence systems have been severely degraded.
With both sides offering differing accounts and no independent confirmation yet, the situation remains volatile as the conflict continues to escalate.
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