DUBAI: Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency claimed that a second U.S. F-35 fighter jet was shot down over central Iran, saying the pilot likely did not survive due to severe injuries.
The claim remains unverified. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed the incident.
If confirmed, the downing of an F-35 would mark a major escalation. The aircraft is among the most advanced stealth jets in the U.S. arsenal, designed to evade radar and operate in heavily defended airspace.
The report follows an earlier Iranian claim that it had struck another F-35 nearly two weeks ago.
CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said one F-35 was on a combat mission over Iran when it made an emergency landing. He said the aircraft landed safely and the incident is under investigation.
Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the jet had sustained damage from Iranian fire.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) earlier released a video that it said showed a missile striking the aircraft mid-air. The IRGC claimed its air defense system hit and seriously damaged the jet.
Separately, the U.S. has suffered other losses during the conflict. Three F-15 fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. A KC-135 refueling aircraft also crashed in western Iraq, killing all crew members.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. Iran fired missiles toward Israel and parts of the Gulf, while explosions were reported in Tehran and the central city of Isfahan.
In Kuwait, drone attacks triggered fires at several oil refinery units.
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The United States is preparing to reinforce its military presence in the region as the situation continues to escalate.
