Iran Claims Downing of Israeli F-35 Jets Amid Escalating Conflict; Israel Denies

Iran has claimed responsibility for shooting down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets during a retaliatory strike this week, potentially marking the first reported downing of the U.S.-made stealth aircraft in combat. The claim has been forcefully denied by Israeli officials, who accuse Tehran of spreading 바카라�fake news바카라� amid ongoing military confrontations.

According to Iranian state media, including IRIB and the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iranian air-defence units engaged and destroyed two F-35s flying over Iranian airspace during a wave of missile exchanges on Thursday. One report also alleged that a pilot was captured alive, though no visual evidence has been provided to substantiate the claim.

"This is a historic moment for our defence capability," an Iranian military spokesperson told IRNA. "We have neutralised the most advanced aircraft in the world."

The reports followed a significant Israeli air campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related infrastructure, dubbed 바카라�Operation Rising Lion.바카라� Israel stated that over 200 strategic sites were hit in response to recent escalations, including Iranian proxy activity across the region.

Israel Denies, Says Claims Are Fabricated

In a statement released Friday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) categorically denied the downing of any aircraft.

"This is complete fake news," said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the IDF바카라�s international spokesperson. 바카라�There is no truth to the Iranian claims. No F-35s have been hit or lost.바카라�

Israeli defence sources further stated that all aircraft returned safely from their missions and that air defences intercepted a majority of Iranian missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. Local authorities reported structural damage in some areas, but no major casualties were confirmed.

No Independent Verification 

As of Saturday morning, no independent evidence has emerged to support Iran바카라�s assertions. Satellite imagery reviewed by open-source analysts has not confirmed any crash sites, and international observers, including Western intelligence officials, have expressed scepticism.

바카라�While Iran바카라�s defences have improved, taking out an F-35 would require a highly sophisticated and coordinated strike,바카라� said Michael Horowitz, a defence analyst at the Le Beck International consultancy. 바카라�Until physical evidence surfaces, this remains an unverified claim.바카라�

Global Reaction

The latest confrontation marks one of the most intense direct exchanges between Iran and Israel in years. The United States, which has supported Israel바카라�s defence systems, reportedly assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles during the escalation, according to a report by The Times (UK).

World leaders have called for de-escalation. The European Union issued a statement urging 바카라�both parties to exercise maximum restraint,바카라� while the United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency session for Sunday.