Iran claims to shoot down two Israeli F-35 jets

TEHRAN: The Air Defence Force of Iran’s Army has claimed it successfully shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets along with a large number of Israeli micro air vehicles (MAVs).

The status of the pilots remains unknown and is under investigation, according to Iranian state-run news agency IRNA.

In a major retaliation to recent Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, the Iranian Army stated it had launched successful attacks on Israeli targets within the occupied Israeli territories early Saturday.

According to the Army, Arash suicide drones were used to penetrate deep into Israeli territory, striking several key positions.

Meanwhile, Israeli media confirmed that Iran had launched a fifth wave of missile attacks, targeting areas such as Tiberias, the occupied Golan Heights, and Lower Galilee.

These developments come after Israel reportedly carried out overnight strikes on Friday in and around Tehran, including residential areas, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities.

ISRAEL MADE A GRAVE MISTAKE: KHAMENEI

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a televised address to the nation said the Israeli regime will not be able to walk away from the Friday strikes on Iran unharmed.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the Israeli regime “made a grave mistake” the consequences of which will render it helpless.

“Strong action should be taken, and will be taken,” the Leader said. “We will have no leniency on them. Life will undoubtedly turn bleak for them.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said the entire Iranian nation stood behind the Armed Forces, and “the Islamic Republic will, by God’s grace, defeat the Zionist regime.”

Iran says nuclear talks with US ‘meaningless’ after Israel attack