Iranian state-linked media on Friday claimed that a United States pilot may have been captured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after ejecting from an F-35 fighter jet allegedly shot down over western Iran. The report, carried by Tasnim News Agency, has not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate confirmation from US officials.
According to Iranian sources, the pilot was taken into custody after ejecting from the aircraft, which Tehran claims was struck by the IRGC’s Aerospace Force. Government-linked outlets further stated that authorities had earlier announced a reward for anyone capturing the pilot alive, raising concerns about the pilot’s status and treatment.
The development comes amid escalating tensions following Iran’s earlier assertion that it had downed a second US fifth-generation F-35 jet—this time over central Iran—using an advanced air defence system. State broadcaster Press TV, citing a spokesperson for the Khatam al Anbiya Air Defense Headquarters, reported that the aircraft was targeted by a newly deployed system operated by the IRGC Aerospace Force.
In a further claim, Iranian media alleged that US forces attempted to extract the ejected pilot near Iran’s border, believing the individual to be alive. However, Tehran’s forces reportedly intercepted the effort and secured the pilot before any recovery operation could succeed.
Details surrounding the incident remain scarce, and independent verification has proven difficult amid the ongoing conflict environment and restricted access to the reported locations. Analysts note that claims made by state-affiliated media in conflict zones often require corroboration from multiple sources before being confirmed.
The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world, and any confirmed loss—particularly involving pilot capture—would mark a significant escalation in hostilities.
Tasnim reported that further information regarding the incident would be released in due course. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the situation for official responses and additional evidence that could clarify the claims.
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