dailyloe.com – Iran claims its forces have shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet over its territory. The state news agency reported the pilot likely did not survive the incident. This claim comes amid heightened regional military activity by Iran.
The reported shootdown occurred as Iran conducted strikes across the Middle East on Friday. These actions included firing missiles at Israel and Bahrain. Iranian drones also reportedly set an oil refinery in Kuwait ablaze.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters confirmed the incident. They stated the F-35 was downed by Revolutionary Guard air defenses over central Iran. Reuters relayed the report, citing low chances of pilot survival.
There has been no immediate comment from the United States on the latest claim. The Guardian noted it has not been able to independently confirm the report. The incident follows a previous emergency landing by a US F-35 over Iran last month.
In that earlier incident, the US military stated the pilot was in stable condition. The aircraft had been conducting a combat mission before the emergency landing. Iran’s latest claim significantly escalates its narrative of direct confrontation.
The developments precede a critical United Nations vote. The UN is considering a proposal regarding a ‘defensive force’ in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s warnings and military claims are seen as part of this diplomatic pressure.[]
Source: The Guardian
