Tensions between Iran and Israel have surged dramatically as Iran claims to down another Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jet—the third such incident in recent days. If verified, this would mark a historic development, being the first time a US-made fifth-generation fighter jet has been downed in combat.
Iran’s Bold Claim: Third F-35 Shot Down
Iranian military sources announced over the weekend that their domestic air defense system successfully targeted and shot down an Israeli F-35 stealth aircraft. The jet, reportedly flying over western Iranian airspace, was engaged and destroyed mid-flight. According to Iranian officials, the pilot managed to eject and was captured alive by elite Iranian commandos.
While Iranian media outlets, including the state-run Tasnim News Agency, are broadcasting the incident as a major victory, international media are still seeking independent confirmation of the event.
If proven, the downing of a US-built F-35 would represent a serious milestone in modern aerial warfare, challenging the global perception of the jet’s invincibility.
A String of Air Engagements: F-35 Losses and More
Iran’s military insists this is the third F-35 jet it has taken down since the onset of the recent conflict with Israel. The Tehran Times reported that one pilot died in an earlier strike, and another—a female pilot—was captured alive. These claims are unconfirmed by Israel, which has yet to officially acknowledge any aircraft losses or personnel captures.
Beyond the fighter jets, Iran also stated it neutralized multiple micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) attempting to breach its airspace. According to Iranian sources, their upgraded domestic defense network is actively tracking and repelling threats.
The Bigger Picture: Escalation on All Fronts
This aerial confrontation stems from intense Israeli airstrikes that hit Tehran and other Iranian cities starting Friday morning. These strikes reportedly resulted in around 100 deaths, including civilians, senior military figures, and nuclear scientists. Iran’s response was swift and severe—launching five waves of ballistic missile attacks that targeted over 150 military and intelligence facilities in Israel.
Iran also deployed kamikaze drones as part of its counterattacks and is reportedly preparing additional heavy missile strikes in what appears to be a full-scale retaliation.
Targeting Iran’s Scientific Core
Amid the broader conflict, Iran reported further assassinations of key nuclear scientists. On Saturday, Iranian media confirmed the deaths of Ali Bakhouei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeed Borji—all critical members of Iran’s nuclear research community. Their deaths brought the total number of Iranian scientists killed within days to nine, painting a grim picture of the toll this conflict is taking on Iran’s scientific and military capabilities.
Officials described these targeted killings as “terrorist attacks by the Zionist regime,” vowing to avenge their martyrs and defend the nation’s sovereignty.
Global Reactions and the Need for Independent Verification
As the story unfolds, the international community is urging calm and calling for independent verification of Iran’s claims—particularly those involving the F-35 stealth fighters. The potential downing of such high-end American-made jets could have far-reaching implications for defense alliances, military procurement, and the future of aerial warfare.
For now, much of the world is watching closely, waiting to see whether these dramatic claims will be independently confirmed or dismissed as wartime propaganda.