Tehran: Iran has claimed it became the first country to strike a US F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet, one of America’s most advanced and valuable aircraft, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the jet was hit at 2:50 a.m. local time over central Iranian airspace by the country’s modern air defence systems. The IRGC said the strike follows the interception of more than 125 US and Israeli drones, highlighting upgrades to its integrated air defence network. The group added that the fate of the fighter jet is “unclear” but suggested a high likelihood of a crash.

A CNN report, citing US defence officials, confirmed that a US F-35 made an emergency landing at a base in the Middle East. US Central Command spokesperson Capt Tim Hawkins said the aircraft had been on a combat mission over Iran, but the pilot landed safely and is in stable condition. An investigation into the incident is underway.

The F-35 Lightning II, flown by the US and more than 19 allied countries, is central to fifth-generation warfighting capabilities and costs over USD 100 million per jet. If Iran’s claim is confirmed, it would mark the first time Tehran has successfully targeted a US aircraft in the current conflict, which began in late February.

Despite the incident, US officials have asserted that their overall campaign remains on track. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US is “winning decisively” and described Iranian air defences as “flattened.”

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The US military has also faced other setbacks during the conflict. Three F-15 Eagle jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defences, though all six crew members ejected safely. Separately, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members; the cause was not linked to hostile or friendly fire.

As the conflict continues into its third week, CNN reported that a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa and the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, has been deployed to the region. The USS Tripoli was recently observed approaching Singapore.

(ANI)