Tasnim reported the destruction of an Israeli F-35 fighter jet

Iran's air defense systems shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet in the sky over Tabriz. This was announced on Monday, June 16, by Tasnim news agency in its Telegram channel.

"A modern F-35 fighter jet belonging to the Zionist regime was destroyed in the sky over Tabriz," the publication says.

According to preliminary information, the aircraft was detected by air defense systems and hit by accurate rocket fire. The Iranian side promises to release details of the successful operation later.

The Israeli Air Force, in turn, attacked the airport in Tehran and destroyed two Iranian F-14 aircraft, which were allegedly intended to intercept Israeli aircraft. In addition, the Israeli army announced the failure of an attempt to launch Iranian drones — the military planning the operation was destroyed.

"Today (Monday), an Israeli Air Force aircraft, while in the airspace over Tehran, struck two F-14 fighter jets stationed at Tehran airport. These planes, among other things, were intended to intercept the Israeli Air Force," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Telegram channel says.

Eastern rivalries: new countries are involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran

At the same time, prolonging the fighting increases Tehran's chances, experts say.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian Ministry of Health reported 1.8 thousand casualties as a result of Israeli strikes. The head of the department, Mohammad Reza Zafargandi, added that there are 60 women among the victims. He clarified that 35 women and 10 children were killed as a result of the Israeli strikes.

On June 13, Israel attacked Iran and declared a state of emergency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the purpose of the military operation is to strike at Iran's nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran launched several waves of missile attacks.