There are growing questions over whether Iran managed to hit a US F-35 stealth fighter during the escalating US-Israeli war on Iran after the jet made an emergency landing at a Middle East airbase. Two sources cited by US media and Iranian state outlets claimed the aircraft was struck as it returned from a combat mission, though US officials have not confirmed that and say the incident is still under investigation.\n\nIf true, it would be the first confirmed time an F-35 has been hit in combat, a potentially major blow to the jet\u2019s reputation as one of the most advanced and elusive aircraft in the world. The article explains why the claim matters, how the F-35\u2019s stealth and sensor systems work, and notes that amid the conflict the US has already lost drones and suffered other aviation damage, while Iran says its air defenses are inflicting real costs on US forces.