Iranian forces shot down a US F-15E fighter jet over southwestern Iran on Friday, prompting an active search-and-rescue operation for the two-person crew in what marks the first American warplane lost to hostile fire since the conflict began on February 28.
US officials confirmed the downing to multiple news outlets but declined to provide details about the crew's status. The Pentagon and US Central Command did not respond to requests for comment, while the White House said only that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident.
Iranian state media released images purporting to show aircraft wreckage and deployed ground forces to search for survivors. The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province announced that anyone who captured the crew would receive special recognition.
Dear and honourable people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, if you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police and military forces, you will receive a valuable reward and bonus
Iranian television reporter — Bangkok Post
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show US rescue aircraft — a C-130J transport plane flanked by two Pave Hawk helicopters — operating at low altitude over rural areas south of Lali in Iran's Khuzestan province. Iranian media later claimed to have shot down a US helicopter involved in the rescue operation, though this remains unconfirmed.
Focuses on official US confirmation and search operations while providing context about previous aircraft losses. Emphasizes this as the first warplane lost to hostile fire since the conflict began.
Reports the incident factually while highlighting Iranian bounty offers and civilian involvement in the search. Provides broader context about regional strikes and economic targeting.
Confirms the shootdown and ongoing search operations by both sides. Notes Iranian television broadcast of alleged wreckage images.
It would be the first time since the beginning of the war that a U.S. jet was downed by enemy fire.
US fighter jet shot down over Iran, one crew member rescued so far, sources say
The fate of the two-member crew in the F-15E warplane remained unclear. American forces rushed to mount a rescue operation before Iran could reach survivors, officials said.
Iran War Live Updates: American Fighter Jet Downed Over Iran, U.S. Officials Say - The New York Times
Downing of fighter plane – the first shot down over Iran since start of war – prompts frantic US rescue effort
US F-15E jet confirmed shot down over Iran as Tehran releases wreckage images | US-Israel war on Iran | The Guardian
The incident escalates an already volatile situation as both sides hunt for the American aircrew across hostile territory. Iranian police asked civilians to join the search while US forces risk additional aircraft and personnel in rescue attempts deep inside enemy airspace.
The shootdown occurs amid broader regional strikes that hit multiple countries Friday. Iran launched attacks across the Middle East, setting parts of a major Kuwaiti oil refinery ablaze and triggering air defense responses throughout the Gulf region. Large explosions also rocked northern Tehran, though the source remained unclear.
This represents the first confirmed loss of a US warplane to enemy fire since hostilities began, though American aircraft have previously been damaged or destroyed on the ground. On March 27, Iranian missiles and drones struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring 12 American troops and heavily damaging two KC-135 refueling aircraft.
The war has claimed 13 US military lives and wounded over 300 service members according to Central Command figures. While Trump has portrayed Iranian military capabilities as degraded, US intelligence assessments indicate Iran retains substantial missile and drone arsenals despite weeks of bombardment.
Intelligence sources told Reuters that American forces have confirmed destruction of only about one-third of Iran's missile inventory. The status of another third remains unclear, with weapons potentially damaged or buried in underground facilities that have proven difficult to eliminate completely.