Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, May 10: A US fighter jet declared an emergency while flying over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman on Sunday amid rising tensions in the region.

The aircraft, identified as a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, reportedly transmitted squawk code 7700, an internationally recognised emergency signal used by aircraft to indicate distress or onboard emergencies.

According to flight tracking data, the jet was seen heading towards UAE airspace after flying over the Gulf of Oman and Oman. The aircraft’s departure point and destination were not immediately disclosed.

Reports said the aircraft’s transponder later went dark after being tracked near the UAE, a move commonly associated with military operations or after a safe landing.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media claimed that the aircraft had been shot down or hit by forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, no official confirmation, wreckage images or independent verification of the claim has emerged so far.

Similar claims made during previous periods of tension involving Iran have later been disputed or linked to aircraft that were damaged but safely recovered.

The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following recent maritime confrontations and mutual accusations between Iran and the United States.

Reports earlier in the day stated that a cargo vessel was struck off the coast of Qatar as Iran warned it could target US interests in the region.

The developments also follow an incident on Friday in which a US fighter jet reportedly disabled two Iranian-flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman to prevent them from proceeding towards Iran.

On Saturday, the IRGC warned that any attack on Iranian tankers or commercial vessels would invite retaliation against American targets and “enemy ships” in the region.

Iran has also tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global oil, gas and fertiliser shipments, in what is being viewed as an attempt to increase pressure on the United States and its allies.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that the US Navy has been intercepting, diverting or disabling vessels allegedly linked to Iran.