Varamin, Iran – In a development that could escalate already tense regional dynamics, Iranian air defense forces have reportedly shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet near the city of Varamin, southeast of Tehran.
According to a statement by Hussein Abbasi, the regional commissioner of Varamin, the aircraft—belonging to the Israeli military—was intercepted and destroyed in the outskirts of the city early Wednesday.
“An F-35 fighter jet belonging to the Zionist occupying regime was shot down by Iranian forces near the outskirts of Varamin,” Abbasi told IRNA, Iran’s official news agency. He added that security and military teams are currently investigating the incident, and that more information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.
The commissioner also issued a public advisory, urging residents to report any suspicious objects or activity to local authorities immediately.
The downing of a stealth F-35 aircraft, if confirmed, would mark a significant military event given the jet’s advanced technology and the geopolitical implications of such an incident between Iran and Israel—longtime adversaries in the Middle East.
No Official Confirmation from Israel
As of this report, Israeli defense officials have not confirmed or denied the alleged loss of an aircraft. The Israeli military rarely comments on overseas operations, especially in hostile territory.
Israel operates a fleet of F-35I “Adir” stealth fighters, acquired from the United States as part of its long-term military modernization strategy. The aircraft are considered among the most advanced in the world, capable of deep-strike missions, surveillance, and evasion of most radar systems.
Rising Tensions in the Region
This reported incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with both nations frequently accusing each other of covert operations, cyberattacks, and violations of sovereignty.
Military analysts warn that any confirmed shootdown of an Israeli jet over Iranian territory would signal a dramatic escalation and could trigger retaliatory actions or diplomatic fallout.
Iran has in recent years strengthened its domestic air defense systems, including the development of its Bavar-373 missile system, designed to counter advanced stealth aircraft like the F-35.
Caution and Verification Needed
Independent military experts stress the importance of verifying such claims through satellite imagery, third-party surveillance, or additional official sources. Due to the highly sensitive nature of airspace violations and international military engagements, reports of this kind are often surrounded by conflicting narratives and propaganda from both sides.
However, if substantiated, this would be one of the first known instances of an F-35 being shot down in a combat scenario, representing a major moment in military aviation history.
Editor’s Note: This story is developing. The Azadi Times will continue to monitor updates from Iranian, Israeli, and international sources. All claims will be cross-verified as further evidence emerges.
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