Iran claims downing of Israeli F-35, says female pilot captured

Iran says missing pilot of downed jet, reportedly a woman, was captured by ground forces after ejecting from aircraft

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The Iranian military says it has shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet in western Iran, in what could mark a major escalation in regional tensions.

According to state-affiliated Taslim news , Iran’s air defence forces intercepted and destroyed what they described as a “hostile Zionist regime aircraft” late Friday night. The jet was reportedly detected in Iranian airspace before being targeted by surface-to-air missile systems.

The pilot, initially listed as missing, was said to have ejected from the aircraft. On Saturday afternoon, Iranian sources claimed that the pilot — reportedly a woman — had been captured by army ground force commandos and taken into custody.

There has been no immediate comment from Israeli authorities.

The circumstances of the reported incursion, the exact location, and the status of the pilot remain unclear. Independent verification has not been possible.

This incident, if confirmed, would mark the first known downing of a fifth-generation Israeli warplane over Iranian territory.

Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in the early hours of 13 June, targeting what it claimed were nuclear and military facilities.
The attack marked a sharp escalation in long-standing tensions between the two regional rivals.
Tehran confirmed significant damage and the deaths of several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli military bases.
The exchanges have raised fears of a broader conflict, drawing concern from global powers urging de-escalation.