A U.S. F-35 fighter jet carried out an emergency landing at a regional American airbase in the Middle East after flying a combat mission over Iran, U.S. Central Command said. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the aircraft landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition. The event is under investigation.

What officials say

U.S. Central Command said it was aware of reports about the emergency landing. Two unnamed sources told CNN that the jet was believed to have been struck by Iranian fire. If confirmed, this would be the first time Iranian forces have hit an American aircraft since the war began late last month.

Important detail

Both U.S. and Israeli forces have been operating F-35 jets in the region. These aircraft are expensive and advanced, with unit costs above $100 million. That is part of why any damage or loss draws immediate attention.

Recent related incidents

This emergency landing comes a week after a U.S. refueling tanker crashed over Iraq while in friendly airspace. All six crew members aboard that tanker were killed. U.S. investigators have said two aircraft were involved and the event may have been a midair collision. That crash is still under investigation.

Wider conflict and casualties

The war has now entered its third week and has spread across the region, with strikes reported in several neighboring countries. Officials on both sides have reported heavy losses.

  • Iranian officials say at least 1,200 people have been killed and more than 10,000 wounded.
  • The Pentagon reports 13 U.S. service members killed and over 140 injured.

Economic and strategic effects

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically, affecting global fuel supplies. Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel on multiple occasions recently. Retail fuel prices have moved too, with the average cost of a gallon of diesel rising past $5 in the United States.

Government messaging and politics

Senior U.S. officials have been blunt in public statements. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently said Iran lacks air defenses, an air force, and a navy and described Iranian missiles and drones as being destroyed or intercepted. Hegseth also said the U.S. had struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran.

On Capitol Hill the conflict is divisive. Many Democrats have called the campaign illegal and reckless, while most Republicans publicly back the president. Some Republicans have privately expressed reservations.

Public opinion

  • A Quinnipiac poll from March 9 found 53 percent of voters oppose military action against Iran.
  • An earlier Ipsos poll showed only about one in four Americans supported strikes against Iran.

What to watch next

Investigations are ongoing into the emergency landing and the tanker crash. U.S. air operations and deployments of additional Marines and warships continue. Officials on all sides are talking about large numbers of strikes and casualties. For now, the situation remains fluid and under close review by military investigators and political leaders.

Note: Statements and figures in this article come from U.S. military officials, Iranian authorities, and recent media reporting.