A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to RIA Novosti the emergency landing of an American F-35 fighter jet at a Middle Eastern air base following a combat mission over Iran, noting that the pilot is in stable condition and that an investigation into the incident has been launched.

"We are aware of reports that a US F-35 aircraft made an emergency landing at a regional US air base after conducting a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. An investigation into this incident is underway," reads the Pentagon's official response to RIA Novosti's inquiry.

Earlier, US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins had stated that the American F-35 made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being shot down, presumably by Iranian fire.

Iran, meanwhile, claimed that the strike on the American fighter jet was carried out by "young patriots — scientists and warriors."