Iran Shoots Down 2 U.S F-35 Jets | IRGC Threatens British, French Warships | 18 IDF Troops KILLED

Hello and welcome to World News with Pankaj Mishra. The Middle East is once again edging toward a dangerous escalation, with multiple flashpoints intensifying simultaneously. From rising tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border—where reports confirm the death of an Israeli soldier despite a ceasefire—to growing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the region is witnessing a rapid convergence of crises. Iranian media has amplified claims surrounding a U.S. F-35 fighter issuing an emergency signal near Hormuz, alongside reports of an alleged American surveillance drone being shot down—claims that remain contested and unverified by U.S. officials. At the same time, Tehran has issued ste wa ings to Weste powers, cautioning Britain and France against deploying naval forces into Gulf waters. With geopolitical tensions mounting, military posturing increasing, and conflicting narratives emerging from all sides, conce s are rising that the situation could spiral into a broader regional conflict.