Iran Shoots Down Israeli F-35 as Regional Tensions Escalate
The incident reflects deepening hostilities between Iran and Israel amid ongoing military actions and diplomatic tensions.
On June 16, 2025, the Iranian Armed Forces announced that they successfully shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet over the northwestern city of Tabriz, according to reports from state-affiliated media.
This incident signifies a notable escalation in the longstanding aerial conflict between Iran and Israel.
Earlier on the same day, the Israeli military claimed responsibility for airstrikes that reportedly destroyed two Iranian F-14 fighter jets stationed at an airport in Tehran.
In a statement, the Israeli army confirmed the operations and warned of the continuation of military actions, asserting, "We will continue the attack, and I will not reveal our data bank or operational plans."
In response to these escalatory military actions, Iran formally notified the United Nations Security Council, invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, which pertains to the right of states to self-defense.
An official from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council articulated that their military response was “proportionate and aimed solely at Israeli military targets and their supporting infrastructure.”
On the diplomatic front, Israel’s Foreign Minister communicated to the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Israeli military operations in Iran remain ongoing.
In contrast, the Iranian Foreign Minister took to social media, challenging the United States to take decisive steps towards resolving the conflict.
He stated, "If the U.S. President truly believes in diplomacy, his next actions will be decisive," implying that U.S. engagement could alter the dynamics with Israel.
The Iranian official further contended that evidence indicates an Israeli attack led by Prime Minister Netanyahu resulted in civilian casualties, characterizing it as a deliberate strategy to undermine a prospective U.S.–Iran agreement.
This incident signifies a notable escalation in the longstanding aerial conflict between Iran and Israel.
Earlier on the same day, the Israeli military claimed responsibility for airstrikes that reportedly destroyed two Iranian F-14 fighter jets stationed at an airport in Tehran.
In a statement, the Israeli army confirmed the operations and warned of the continuation of military actions, asserting, "We will continue the attack, and I will not reveal our data bank or operational plans."
In response to these escalatory military actions, Iran formally notified the United Nations Security Council, invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, which pertains to the right of states to self-defense.
An official from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council articulated that their military response was “proportionate and aimed solely at Israeli military targets and their supporting infrastructure.”
On the diplomatic front, Israel’s Foreign Minister communicated to the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Israeli military operations in Iran remain ongoing.
In contrast, the Iranian Foreign Minister took to social media, challenging the United States to take decisive steps towards resolving the conflict.
He stated, "If the U.S. President truly believes in diplomacy, his next actions will be decisive," implying that U.S. engagement could alter the dynamics with Israel.
The Iranian official further contended that evidence indicates an Israeli attack led by Prime Minister Netanyahu resulted in civilian casualties, characterizing it as a deliberate strategy to undermine a prospective U.S.–Iran agreement.
