Iran Claims to Down Israeli F‑35 Jets, Capture Female Pilot Amid Escalating Conflict

Iranian state media claims its forces shot down two Israeli F‑35 fighter jets and captured a female pilot following a retaliatory strike. Footage and photos of wreckage have circulated online, though Israel has strongly denied the report, calling it baseless propaganda. The alleged capture, if confirmed, would mark a major escalation. Independent sources have not verified Iran’s claim, and international observers are urging caution as tensions spiral in the region.