The Iranian military announced on Saturday that it had shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet over the western part of the country, in a development that further escalates tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv. Israel has denied the claim.

According to a statement released by the Iranian armed forces, the pilot ejected using an emergency seat, but his fate remains unknown. The military said additional details would be shared with the public at a later time.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee rejected the claim in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that no Israeli aircraft had been shot down over Iran.

On Friday, Iranian officials also alleged that two Israeli aircraft were downed during what Tehran described as aerial attacks on its territory. Iranian state media published images purporting to show the wreckage of one of the aircraft.