Iran has claimed a historic first — striking a US F-35 stealth fighter jet during an active combat mission, a move that could reshape the narrative around air dominance in the ongoing conflict. A video circulating online appears to show the moment the jet was hit mid-air, with visible smoke and the aircraft veering off course. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says the strike happened over central Iranian airspace using advanced air defence systems. The United States has confirmed that an F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing after encountering a missile barrage, though officials have not confirmed a direct hit.

A major security scare has erupted in Washington after multiple unidentified drones were spotted flying over Fort McNair, a US military base that houses top cabinet officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The drone sightings triggered emergency discussions at the White House, with officials reviewing security protocols and even considering relocating key leaders. So far, the origin of the drones remains unknown.