- Web Desk
- 17 Minutes ago
Iran claims downing second US F-35 as regional tensions escalate
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- Web Desk
- 2 Minutes ago
TEHRAN: Iran claimed it shot down a second US F-35 fighter jet during recent tensions, state-linked media reported, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC said the aircraft was targeted within Iranian airspace, but officials added there was no information available about the pilot. Some reports suggested a sudden explosion may have prevented the pilot from ejecting.
The US Central Command has not issued an official response, and the claim could not be independently verified.
Analysts say such assertions are common during conflict and require corroboration through evidence or official confirmation.
Separately, the IRGC said it had launched strikes on seven US and Israeli airbases as part of what it called the 90th wave of “Operation True Promise 4,” targeting key military and technological assets in the region.
The statement also claimed a cloud computing centre belonging to an international technology company in Bahrain was hit, after which the firm allegedly scaled down or halted regional operations. Iranian officials said the strikes were aimed at weakening the adversary’s military and technological capabilities.
They warned that further targets, including critical companies, could be attacked if actions against Iran continued, blaming U.S. leadership for the escalation.
Declare victory and end the war: Javad Zarif
In a separate development, former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urged Tehran to declare victory and end the war through a comprehensive agreement.
Writing in Foreign Affairs, Zarif proposed that Iran accept certain limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
He also suggested reopening the Strait of Hormuz and considering a mutual non-aggression pact with the United States, alongside exploring economic cooperation.
Iran will not surrender: Araqchi
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would not surrender despite US and Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure. Posting an image of a destroyed bridge, he said Iran would rebuild stronger, adding that Washington’s global credibility had been damaged.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said a targeted bridge would “never be usable again” and warned Iran to reach a deal before it was too late.
Kamal Kharrazi dies of injures
Meanwhile, Iran said former Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi had died of wounds sustained in a U.S. and Israeli strike on his home in Tehran. Reports said his wife was killed in the attack, while Kharrazi had been in a coma before his death. Iranian officials described his passing as a major loss to the country’s diplomacy and academic community.
Houthi carries out missile attack on Israel
In the wider region, Yemen’s Houthi group said it carried out a fourth missile attack on Israel, targeting key sites in Tel Aviv. Israel’s military confirmed intercepting missiles launched from Yemen and said its air defence systems were activated.
Meanwhile, Iranian forces claimed responsibility for drone strikes on US facilities in Iraq and Jordan. Iraqi security officials said two drones hit a U.S. logistical centre at Baghdad International Airport, causing a fire but no reported casualties.
Iran also said it targeted the Al-Azraq airbase in eastern Jordan, a key US military hub, with drone strikes aimed at fighter jets. The claims could not be independently verified.
Experts say the competing claims highlight rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict and complicating efforts to find a diplomatic resolution.
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