Iran has claimed that it shot down two Israeli fighter jets during recent military tensions between the two countries. According to Iranian officials, one Israeli pilot was also captured.
The announcement follows an escalating series of hostile exchanges. Iran stated the jets were attempting to strike military targets inside the country when its air defense acted.
Video shown on Iranian state media showed what it called wreckage from one of the jets that was downed. No international sources have confirmed if the video is real.
Israel rejected the claims, saying no aircraft were lost and calling the report “false and misleading.”
“None of our jets were hit, and no pilots are missing,” said an Israeli military spokesperson.
Tensions have been high over the past several weeks. Israel has launched several airstrikes in Syria and near Iran’s borders. In return, Iran fired missiles and drones toward Israeli territory.
Some military experts are doubtful about Iran’s claim. The Israeli F-35 is one of the most advanced stealth planes in the world and hard to track or hit.
“A very difficult challenge, but not impossible,” said a European defense analyst.
If true, it would mark the first instance of stealth jet in the F-35 class being shot down in combat. That could alter future thinking on warfare, for both countries.
For now, the situation remains tense. There is no independent proof to confirm Iran’s version of events. Both sides are expected to make more statements in the coming days.
