Iran Says Missile Production Intact, Counters Benjamin Netanyahu Claim

Iran continues to produce missiles despite wartime pressures, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Friday, countering claims by Benjamin Netanyahu that Tehran’s capabilities had been degraded.

General Ali Mohammad Naeini, speaking in remarks carried by the state-run IRAN newspaper, asserted that the country’s missile programme remains robust.

Referencing Iran’s academic grading system, he said: "Our missile industry score is 20 and there is no concern in this regard because we are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is amazing, and there is no particular problem in stockpiling."

He also indicated that public sentiment in Iran supports a prolonged conflict.

Did Iran become the first nation to strike a F-35 Lightning II?

Earlier, Iran claimed it had become the first nation to strike a F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced aircraft in the United States arsenal and widely used among allied nations. More than 19 countries either operate or are preparing to operate the aircraft.

According to a report by CNN citing US defence officials, an F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being hit by what is believed to be Iranian fire. The pilot was reported safe and an investigation is underway.

The IRGC said the aircraft was struck at 2:50 a.m. local time by advanced air defence systems while flying over central Iran. "The fate of the fighter jet is unclear and under investigation, and the likelihood of its crash is very high," the statement said.

The IRGC added that the interception followed the downing of more than 125 US-Israeli drones, pointing to significant upgrades in Iran’s integrated air defence network.

US officials confirmed the incident but maintained that operations remain unaffected. Captain Tim Hawkins said the aircraft had been on a combat mission when it was forced to land. "The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition," he said. "This incident is under investigation."

If confirmed, the strike would mark the first time Iran has successfully hit a US aircraft during the ongoing conflict, which began in late February. Both the United States and Israel have been deploying F-35 jets in the campaign.

Despite the development, US leadership has continued to project confidence. On Thursday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US is "winning decisively" and claimed that Iran’s air defence systems have been "flattened".

The conflict has also seen other setbacks for US forces. According to the report, three F-15 Eagle aircraft were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences, though all six crew members ejected safely.

(With inputs from ANI)