Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps announced on Thursday that it had targeted a US F-35 Lightning II in the skies over central Iran at dawn.
In a statement, the IRGC said the advanced fighter jet was engaged during the early hours, adding that the aircraft’s fate remains unclear and is currently under investigation. The group noted that there is a strong possibility the jet may have crashed, though no further details were immediately available.
The United States Central Command confirmed that the US F-35 Lightning II made an emergency landing following a combat mission over Iran.
Spokesperson Tim Hawkins said the aircraft landed safely at a regional US air base and that the pilot is in stable condition.
“We are aware of reports that a U.S. F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing at a regional U.S airbase after flying a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation,” Hawkins stated.
The event marks the first reported instance of Iran hitting a US fifth-generation fighter since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February.
Wave 65, OTP 4: ‘Nasrallah’ missile system deployed in a first
The IRGC announced the launch of wave 65 of Operation True Promise 4, striking key targets across the West Asia region.
Precision-guided missiles targeted the Haifa and Ashdod oil refineries, among the largest oil facilities in the Israeli entity, alongside multiple security installations and military support centers.
This operation marked the first operational deployment of ‘Nasrallah’ missile system. According to the IRGC, medium-range Qiam and Zolfaghar missiles hit US targets at Al-Kharj Base, including critical fuel supply points for F-16, F-35, and AWACS aircraft.
Additional attacks focused on Sheikh Isa Base, responsible for command and communications, and Al-Dhafra Base, with high-precision strikes delivered by Qadr multi-warhead missiles and other systems, including Khaybar Shekan, Qiam, and Zolfaghar, the IRGC statement added.
