US F-35 fighter jet forced to make emergency landing after being struck by Iranian fire
發佈日期: 2026-03-20 21:56
TVB News
Sources say a US F-35 stealth fighter jet that is suspected to have been shot by Iran performed emergency landing at a Middle East air base.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged military operations against Iran would last "as long as necessary," US President Donald Trump said he had told Netanyahu to stop attacks on Iranian oil and gas infrastructure.
Iran has fired a barrage of missiles and drones over the past few days, hitting targets including Israel's interior and security departments.
As part of the 65th wave of its Operation True Promise-4, Iran struck oil refineries in the Israeli cities of Haifa and Ashdod for the first time using the new guided "Nasrallah" missile, an upgraded Qadr ballistic missile. A series of Israeli security and military support facilities were pounded, alongside some US bases in the region.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed pieces of shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fell in Haifa.
According to media reports, Israeli fighter jets earlier struck several Iranian naval vessels including missile boats and support craft, with the IDF saying it "took out" Iran's naval capabilities in the Caspian Sea.
Following the downing of more than 125 US and Israeli drones, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Thursday announced the successful interception of a U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet.
The Guards said its advanced air defense systems severely damaged the F-35 flying over central Iran.
The US Central Command claimed the aircraft made an emergency landing at a US air base and that its status remains under investigation.
Iran has hit energy infrastructure around neighbouring Gulf states including Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia following Israel's attacks on South Pars, sending oil prices soaring.
Late Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would hold off on any further attacks on the gas field at the request of US President Donald Trump.
Trump said: "I told him, don't do that, and he won't do that."
Netanyahu said Tehran's capability to produce enriched uranium and ballistic missiles had been taken out, but added a ground offensive would be required to bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime.
Meanwhile, the US Department of State has approved potential arms sale with an estimated cost of 16.5 billion US dollars to three of its allies in the Middle East - the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Jordan - that includes radar, anti-drone system and other military equipment.
During an interview with Fox News, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent broached lifting sanctions on Iranian oil that is already at sea, but experts suggest the move may have limited effect in easing oil prices, and could lead to money flowing into Iran.
