U.S. F-35 jet makes emergency landing after damage from Iranian fire: CNN

A United States F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing after sustaining damage from suspected Iranian fire, CNN reported, citing "two sources familiar with the matter."

The F-35 is one of the most technologically advanced fighter jets in the world and no individual aircraft of the class has ever been rendered inoperable due to enemy action. Several, however, have sustained damage due to accidents.

U.S. Central Command confirmed to CNN that the jet made a safe landing, but said the pilot was in "stable condition," leaving his exact status somewhat unclear. The aircraft was engaged in a stealth mission over Iranian airspace.

The incident marks the latest damage to American aircraft after the accidental downing of three fighter jets by a Kuwaiti pilot in a friendly fire incident and the crash of a refueling plane due to undisclosed causes.

The ongoing Iran war began in late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. Iran has responded by targeting U.S. installations in the gulf states and closing the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian proxy Hezbollah entered the conflict this month, opening another front against Israel. Thus far, the Yemen-based Houthis, one of Iran's most effective proxy groups, have stayed on the sidelines.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.