Tehran, March 20 — Iran announced it had struck a U.S. F-35 Lightning II on Thursday, saying its air-defence systems hit the fifth-generation jet during an apparent engagement over central Iran.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on its official site that its advanced air-defence systems struck the aircraft at 2:50 a.m. local time. The IRGC added the jet’s fate was “unclear and under investigation,” and that a crash was highly likely. The IRGC framed the action as part of an upgraded integrated air-defence effort, noting it had previously downed more than 125 drones it described as U.S.-Israeli.
U.S. defence officials told CNN that an F-35 made an emergency landing at a U.S. air base in the Middle East after coming under what is believed to have been a barrage of Iranian surface-to-air missiles. Capt. Tim Hawkins, a U.S. Central Command spokesperson, said the aircraft was flying an operational combat mission over Iran when it was forced to land. He said the aircraft landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition; an investigation is under way.
If confirmed, the strike would mark the first time Iran has hit a U.S. aircraft in the conflict that began in late February. The F-35 is operated or planned for use by more than 19 countries, is a central asset for the U.S. and partner forces, and is among the most advanced — and costly — combat jets in service.
The claim from Tehran came a day after the White House posted on X that the F-35 represents “decisive American power.” U.S. officials have nevertheless said their broader campaign is proceeding as planned. As the conflict approaches its third week, senior U.S. leaders have continued to express confidence. On Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is “winning decisively” and asserted that Iran’s air-defence systems have been degraded.
The U.S. military has experienced other setbacks during the fighting, not all attributable to enemy action. Kuwaiti air-defence systems accidentally shot down three F-15 Eagle jets; all six crew members ejected safely. Separately, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq last week; the military said the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire and all six crew aboard were killed.
Looking ahead, U.S. forces are moving additional assets to the region. CNN reported a Marine Expeditionary Unit is being deployed, with U.S. officials confirming the 31st MEU from Okinawa and the amphibious ready group centered on USS Tripoli are involved. The Tripoli was observed near Singapore earlier in the week.
This report is based on a syndicated feed and outlet reporting; the Tribune published the material as received and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
