Iranian air defense forces have reportedly shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and captured one female pilot alive, according to Iranian state media. If confirmed, this would mark the first known instance of the American-made fifth-generation stealth aircraft being taken down in combat. The jets were allegedly flying over Iranian airspace when they were intercepted and destroyed.
In a parallel development, Iranian forces launched a new barrage of missile attacks targeting Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, as part of a military campaign known as “True Promise 3.” The strikes came in direct response to recent Israeli air assaults on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
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Israeli defense systems were activated in response to the missile barrage, with authorities urging civilians to take immediate shelter. Reports of explosions in both Tel Aviv and Tehran underscored the mounting severity of the hostilities.
The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides. Israeli officials confirmed two fatalities and dozens of injuries from the Iranian missile attacks, while Iranian sources reported the deaths of several top military officials and injuries to hundreds of civilians during Israeli airstrikes.
Tensions between the two nations continue to escalate. Tehran has pledged a forceful retaliation against any further Israeli aggression, with threats to strike regional military installations of countries that support Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of continued military action in the coming days.
As violence intensifies, global leaders are voicing alarm over the potential for a wider regional war, though diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have so far made little progress.
