A US Air Force F-35 fighter jet flying over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared an emergency code 7700, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft may have made an emergency landing, though details remain unconfirmed.
Emergency Declaration Amid Continued Strikes
The emergency declaration came as the United States launched its sixth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran on Thursday. US Central Command stated: "At 2 p.m. ET today, U.S. forces began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth consecutive night to further degrade Iranian military capabilities."
Context of Rising Tensions
The strikes are part of an ongoing campaign by the Trump administration to increase pressure on Iran to comply with a memorandum of understanding and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
Flight tracking data over the UAE indicated the F-35's transponder code switched to 7700, the international squawk code for general emergencies. It is unclear whether the emergency was related to combat damage or mechanical issues.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
