World

Iran Claims F-35 Was Shot Down Over Its Territory

Tensions in the Middle East escalated further after Iranian outlets, including Tasnim News Agency, claimed that the country’s air defenses had successfully shot down a US fighter jet over Iranian territory.

Initial reports from local Iranian media described the aircraft as a US F-35 stealth fighter, with several images and short videos circulating online that allegedly show the crash site, wreckage debris, and an ejected pilot seat.

Among the released visuals, observers noted what appeared to be a damaged tail fin and aircraft fragments bearing the marking “US Air Forces in Europe.” The footage quickly fueled speculation over the exact identity of the aircraft involved.

However, US officials later contradicted the Iranian version of events.

According to Axios, American sources confirmed that the downed aircraft was actually an F-15 fighter jet, not the newer fifth-generation F-35. The report added that a rescue and retrieval mission was launched immediately after the crash.

CBS News further reported that one of the jet’s two crew members has already been rescued, while operations remain underway to locate the second crew member.

Additional analysis from The Guardian suggested the aircraft may belong to the US Air Force’s 494th Fighter Squadron, which operates from RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

The conflicting claims over whether the aircraft was an F-15 or F-35 are likely to intensify international scrutiny as images from the alleged crash continue spreading across social media platforms.

This incident comes amid growing military tensions in the region, where aerial engagements and missile exchanges have significantly increased in recent weeks.