Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Thursday that its air defense systems struck and severely damaged an American F-35 fighter jet over the central part of the country. The incident took place at approximately 2:50 a.m. local time following what Iranian officials described as a large-scale interception of over 125 drones. While the jet was confirmed hit, its final status remains uncertain as local authorities investigate whether the aircraft managed to stay airborne or crashed.

Military officials in the United States confirmed that an F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing after completing a combat mission in Iranian airspace. They reported that the pilot survived the ordeal and is currently in stable condition. An anonymous official suggested that the plane had indeed been struck by Iranian fire, though a formal investigation into the technical details of the encounter is still being conducted.

This escalation follows the start of a major joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. The conflict has already resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and led to a reported death toll of over 1,300 people across the country. Iranian forces have responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting various locations across the region, including Israel and neighboring states that house American military bases.

The ongoing warfare has caused significant damage to regional infrastructure and continues to disrupt international aviation and global markets. Iranian defense officials characterized the strike on the advanced fighter jet as a demonstration of their improved air defense capabilities. Both sides remain in a state of high alert as the war enters a more volatile phase with increasing aerial engagements.