Iran Claims Second US F-35 Shot Down, Pilot's Survival Unlikely; US Unconfirmed

• Iranian Mehr News Agency claims a second US F-35 fighter jet was shot down in central Iran, citing Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.
• IRGC states the jet was "completely destroyed and crashed," with no information on the pilot due to severe damage and a "violent explosion."
• US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not confirmed the claims; if true, it would be a significant counterattack against an advanced stealth jet.
• This follows a previous Iranian claim of striking a US F-35 Lightning 2, which CENTCOM confirmed made an emergency landing after being damaged by Iranian fire.
• The US has previously lost aircraft in the region, including F-15s shot down by Kuwaiti defenses and a KC-135 crash.

Key Questions Answered

Will the US confirm Iran's F-35 claims?

The US Central Command has not confirmed Iran's claims of shooting down a second F-35 fighter jet.

How does this impact US stealth dominance?

Iran's successful targeting of an F-35 fighter jet challenges US stealth dominance.

What are the next steps for US-Iran relations?

The next steps in US-Iran relations involve potential backchannel diplomacy, possibly in Pakistan, and the US considering sending additional ground troops to the Middle East.