Iran says it has become the “World’s first country” to hit the U.S F-35 lightning II fighter jet

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the jet was hit at 2:50 AM on 19 March in central Iran using advanced air defense systems.

It said the jet’s fate is unclear and under investigation, and the likelihood of a crash is very high.

US officials said the F-35 made an emergency landing after a missile barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway.

The claim came after the White House said the F-35 represents “decisive American power” and, if confirmed, would mark the first such hit in the war.