US F-35 Makes Emergency Landing After Possible Iranian Hit During Combat Mission Over Iran

CNN reports that a US Air Force F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East after being targeted while on a combat mission over Iran. According to two informed sources, the fighter was likely damaged by Iranian fire. Tim Hawkins, CENTCOM spokesperson, confirmed that the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was on a combat mission when it was forced to make an emergency landing. He said the aircraft landed safely, the pilot is in "stable" condition, and the incident is under investigation. If confirmed, this would be the first successful instance of Iran striking an American aircraft since the start of the war. Both the US and Israel use F-35 fighters in this conflict, with each aircraft valued at over $100 million.