Tehran/Tel Aviv, 20 March (H.S.): The United States-Israel-Iran conflict intensified on its 21st day, with Iran asserting it inflicted severe damage on a cutting-edge American F-35 fighter jet for the first time, while simultaneously bombarding an Israeli oil refinery near Tel Aviv.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released video footage purportedly showing the attack on the F-35—among the world's most advanced combat aircraft valued over $100 million—though independent verification remains elusive despite coverage by international outlets.
The US Central Command confirmed Thursday's emergency landing of an F-35 during a mission over Iran, attributing it to unspecified issues; pilot Captain Tim Hawkins stated the aviator is safe, with investigations underway in an undisclosed Middle Eastern nation, stopping short of acknowledging direct Iranian involvement.
Concurrently, Tehran claimed a robust missile barrage targeted the Tel Aviv refinery in retaliation for Israeli strikes, as Qatar Energy reported a 17% halt in its liquefied natural gas exports—equating to $20 billion annual losses—threatening supplies to Europe and Asia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a press conference Thursday, proclaiming victory and Iran's devastation after 20 days of combat, amid Hezbollah claims of missile strikes on northern Israeli settlements like Margaliot and troops in Maroun al-Ras.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Thursday that international inaction could cascade the crisis across nations, potentially birthing greater calamities, as UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump discussed regional stability in a phone call, condemning Tehran's targeting of civilian infrastructure as sovereignty violations.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is scheduled for an unannounced Friday visit to Israel following Beirut talks on ceasefires, focusing on security, aid, and de-escalation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
