Iran shoots down 3rd Israeli F-35 fighter jet; apprehends pilot

Tehran: Iran's air defence forces claimed that it has shot down a third Israeli F-35 fighter jet.

Iran's official news agency, IRNA, reported that the pilot on board the plane was taken into custody by Iranian military commandos.

However, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) denied the news. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee responded on X that Iran's claim was false and that Iranian media was spreading fake news. Earlier, Iran had claimed that it had shot down two F-35 fighter jets that had entered Iranian airspace and that the female pilot of the craft had been taken into custody.

Iran's missile attack in response to Israeli airstrikes has caused widespread damage, including in the capital, Tel Aviv. Three people were killed and more than 200 were injured. Several buildings were destroyed. Iranian missiles also hit Jerusalem, Rishon LeZion and Ramat Gan. Israel confirmed that two people were killed in central Israel and a woman in Tel Aviv.

Iran's attack took place on Friday night and Saturday morning. Following this, Israel again carried out airstrikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran, as well as Borujerd, Abadan, and Kermanshah.

The Iranian missiles had penetrated Israel's Iron Dome defence system. It is reported that Iran fired about 200 ballistic missiles in four stages. A multi-story building in central Tel Aviv was destroyed in the attack. Nine buildings were also destroyed in Ramat Gan.

Iran's Press TV reported that 104 people, including women and children, were killed and more than 380 injured in Israeli attacks in various parts of Iran on Friday.