Iran has claimed a historic first — striking a US F-35 stealth fighter jet during an active combat mission, a move that could reshape the narrative around air dominance in the ongoing conflict. A video circulating online appears to show the moment the jet was hit mid-air, with visible smoke and the aircraft veering off course. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says the strike happened over central Iranian airspace using advanced air defence systems. The United States has confirmed that an F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing after encountering a missile barrage, though officials have not confirmed a direct hit.

A powerful explosion struck central Tehran near Ferdowsi Square during a pro-government Quds Day rally. Thick smoke was seen rising from the area as crowds gathered near Enghelab Street for the annual demonstrations. Quds Day is an annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of Ramadan and was established in 1979 by Iran’s first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.