US Fighter jet
Middle East tension spikes: Iran claims it shot down second American F-35 fighter jet
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it has shot down a second US F-35 stealth fighter jet over central Iran, according to multiple media reports.
In a statement, the IRGC’s central command headquarters said the aircraft was “hit by a new air defence system” developed by its aerospace force, causing it to crash in central Iran.
“Due to the severe explosion of the fighter jet upon impact, it is unlikely that the pilot survived,” the statement added, as reported by Türkiye Today.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency published several images that it said showed the wreckage of the downed aircraft. However, the United States has not confirmed the incident or issued any official response so far.
Iran lists potential regional targets
Amid rising tensions, Iranian media outlets have released a list of eight major bridges across the Middle East that could be targeted in retaliation for recent US-Israel strikes on infrastructure inside Iran.
The reported list includes the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sea Bridge in Kuwait, the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Khalifa Bridge in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the King Hussein Bridge, Damia Bridge, and Abdoun Bridge in Jordan, according to Middle East Monitor.
Karaj bridge strike
The development comes after joint strikes by the United States and Israel partially destroyed a major bridge under construction near Karaj, west of Tehran, further escalating the conflict. Several people were reported injured in the attack.
The structure, identified as the B1 Karaj bridge, was intended to connect Tehran with the western city of Karaj. Standing at approximately 136 metres, it had been described as one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the site, followed by sections of the bridge collapsing.
Trump reacts
US President Donald Trump shared visuals of the strike on Truth Social, writing: “The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again — much more to follow.” He also warned Iran to agree to a deal “before it is too late.”
Escalating conflict
The latest developments mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, with critical infrastructure increasingly becoming targets.
While Washington has framed the strikes as part of achieving “strategic objectives,” Tehran has condemned them as attacks on civilian infrastructure.
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