Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian air defenses successfully downed two Israeli fighter jets and captured the pilot of one.

This assertion was met with immediate denial from an Israeli military spokesperson, who stated that the claims regarding the downing of an Israeli jet and the capture of a pilot were not accurate.

Earlier, the Iranian military had confirmed that it struck an Israeli fighter jet and reported successful interception of an Israeli drone in Qom Province.

The developments occurred against a backdrop of heightened military conflicts, with the Israeli spokesperson asserting that Iran possesses the capability to deliver "hard strikes" in response to ongoing tensions.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that it had launched a counteroffensive targeting Israeli positions, framing the action as retaliation for sustained airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.

These recent Israeli strikes reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including several high-ranking military leaders and nuclear experts.

The Iranian media declared the initiation of a "crushing Iranian response," stating that hundreds of ballistic missiles were fired towards Israel.

The Israeli home front command acknowledged missile launches aimed at its territory and advised civilians to enter fortified rooms as a precautionary measure.