March 19, 2026 at 11:50 PM UTC
Iran claims it struck a US F-35 over its airspace — jet's fate unknown
What happened
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its air defense systems hit and "seriously damaged" a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran at around 2:50 AM local time Thursday.
The IRGC says the aircraft's fate "remains unknown and is under investigation," with a "high possibility" the jet crashed.
Context
The strike came after Iran intercepted over 125 US-Israeli drones, which the IRGC called proof of "significant and targeted improvements" in its integrated air defense.
Since the US-Israeli joint offensive began on Feb. 28, roughly 1,300 people have been killed in Iran — including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Retaliation
Iran has hit back with drone and missile strikes on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
Related
Week 6 of the war — six US aircraft lost in 72 hours, Iran downs first F-15, Trump calls it 'miraculous'
Week four — nuclear strikes, a failed ceasefire, and 10,000 more troops
The war that keeps winding down — Week Three of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran
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