IRNA: Iran shoots down Israeli F-35 over Tabriz

Iranian air defence systems in Tabriz successfully shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet over northwestern Iran, East Azerbaijan Crisis Management Director General Majid Farshi told IRNA on June 17.

According to him, the F-35 was intercepted by Iranian forces amid a series of attacks in the region. Earlier in the day, two combat drones were also brought down by Iranian forces, Caliber.Az reports.

Farshi said Israeli micro air vehicles (MAVs) targeted three locations around Tabriz on June 17, but were engaged by Iranian air defences. According to Iranian officials, this marks the fourth Israeli F-35 fighter jet destroyed by Iran.

The current escalation began on June 13, when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes deep inside Iran. The attacks inflicted heavy losses on Iran’s top military leadership, including the deaths of top Iranian officials, along with nuclear scientists.

Later the same day, Iran retaliated with an unprecedented barrage, firing more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones toward Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. 

By Sabina Mammadli