A US F-35 stealth fighter jet has reportedly been hit by suspected Iranian fire and forced into an emergency landing at an American base in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over the escalating conflict.
According to US media reports, including ABC News and CNN, the advanced warplane sustained damage mid-operation before safely landing.
Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command, confirmed the incident but stopped short of verifying Iranian involvement.
“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins said in a statement. “This incident is under investigation.”
First suspected Iranian strike on F-35
If confirmed, the incident would mark the first known case of an American F-35 being struck by Iranian fire during the ongoing war.
So far, US aircraft losses in the conflict have largely been attributed to accidents or friendly fire. These include three F-15 fighter jets mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq.
Rising losses in Middle East conflict
The United States and Israel launched a large-scale air campaign against Iran following a significant military buildup in the region, which included deployment of F-35 stealth fighters.
Since the operation began on February 28, at least 13 US service members have been killed. Six died in the KC-135 crash, while seven were killed in Iranian attacks during the early phase of the conflict.
The US military also reports that about 200 personnel have been wounded across seven countries in the Middle East, although most have since returned to duty.
Investigation ongoing
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the damage to the F-35, leaving open the possibility of mechanical failure or other factors.
However, the reports are likely to intensify scrutiny over the vulnerability of even the most advanced US military aircraft in the face of Iranian defences.
