Iran intensifies attack in Gulf region, claims it shot down US fighter jet

KUWAIT CITY: An American F-15 fighter jet has been reportedly shot down by Iran. Visuals showing the fighter jet catching fire in the sky and crashing to the ground are circulating on social media. However, it is not clear whether the aircraft belonged to the US or Israel. International media reports say that the pilot managed to eject safely. There are also claims that Iran carried out an attack near the US Embassy in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, as tensions continue to rise, Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said Tehran will not engage in any negotiations with the United States. He rejected reports in sections of the US media claiming that Iran had agreed to resume nuclear talks following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the reports “false.”

He also criticised US President Donald Trump, saying that Trump’s “wrong calculations” have destabilised the region. "Trump is now concerned about further risks to US soldiers. His “America First” slogan has turned into “Israel First.” Trump is putting US troops in danger for Israel’s interests," Larijani said.