Iran becomes first country to shoot down 5th-gen F-35 fighter jets belonging to Israel
Iranian military officials claim to have shot down two Israeli fighter jets during retaliatory missile strikes, further escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, according to Sky News reports.
The announcement comes amid mounting hostilities in the region, prompting widespread international concern.
According to Iranian state media, the aircraft were targeted and brought down while conducting missions over Iranian or regional airspace.
The statement did not provide specific details regarding the location of the reported downings or the type of aircraft involved. Tehran hailed the event as a “significant defensive success” in the face of what it described as “continued Zionist aggression.”
READ ALSO: Iran retaliates, launches over 300 missiles on Tel Aviv, other parts of Israel
The Iranian missile barrage, reportedly launched late Saturday night, was framed by military officials in Tehran as part of a broader response to Israeli airstrikes that took place on Friday, which targeted facilities linked to Iran’s security apparatus and its regional allies. Iran’s military command stated that its strikes were aimed at strategic Israeli defense installations and airbases.
Israel has not confirmed the loss of any military aircraft. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that while air defense systems had responded to incoming threats, all aircraft involved in operations had returned safely to base. The IDF accused Tehran of spreading “misinformation” to project strength domestically and to its allies.
READ ALSO: Message from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the Iranian people
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a high-level security briefing on Sunday to assess the evolving situation. In a short televised statement, he reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to defend itself against what he called “Iranian provocations and regional destabilization.”
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