Overview
- U.S. Central Command says the F-35 was flying a combat mission over central Iran and landed safely at a regional U.S. base, with the pilot in stable condition.
- Two U.S. defense sources told multiple outlets the jet was likely struck by Iranian fire, and the Pentagon has opened a formal investigation.
- The IRGC claims its air defenses hit and seriously damaged the aircraft around 2:50 a.m. local time and released video purporting to show the strike.
- News organizations report the released footage has not been independently verified, and U.S. officials have not confirmed a direct hit or the extent of any damage.
- If confirmed, it would be the first Iranian strike on a U.S. manned aircraft in the current war, a development analysts say could carry operational and political implications for F-35 operations.