Donald Trump said the shooting down of a US military jet would not impact ongoing talks with Iran. When asked if the incident was linked to the negotiations, he replied, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war.”
US media reported that specialized American forces had launched a search-and-rescue mission after the jet incident. However, Trump declined to share any details about the operation. Reports also said he appeared frustrated with media coverage, describing the mission as complex and actively underway.
US forces rushed to locate a missing crew member after Iran shot down an F-15E Strike Eagle on Friday. One service member was rescued, but the second remains missing. Officials have not confirmed the condition of the missing crew member.
Reports of Another Aircraft Crash
Iranian state media claimed that a second US aircraft, an A-10 Thunderbolt II, was also hit and crashed. However, US media reported that the pilot from this aircraft was safely rescued. There is no official confirmation on the cause of that crash.
Videos Show Ongoing Rescue Operations
Several videos on social media appear to show US helicopters and aircraft flying over Iranian territory during search-and-rescue operations. These clips suggest a large-scale mission is underway. However, their authenticity has not been independently verified.
BREAKING: US search and rescue operation currently underway deep inside Iran. A C-130 and two Black Hawk helicopters flying at low altitude over southern Iran to recover the downed F-15E pilots. Iranian channels are publishing footage of the aircraft over Kohgiluyeh province.… pic.twitter.com/j2sLsSxyg5
— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) April 3, 2026
Reward Announced for Capturing Pilot
An Iranian television reporter said that civilians who capture the missing US crew member alive would “receive a valuable reward.” This announcement has drawn attention as the search continues across the region.
Helicopters Reportedly Come Under Fire
As US forces increased their rescue efforts, reports emerged that helicopters came under attack. A video shared by Iran International showed helicopters flying low over southwestern Iran, including Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. The footage appeared to capture gunfire as the helicopters carried out a risky rescue mission.
How US Rescue Missions Work
Experts say such missions are handled by elite US Air Force Pararescuemen, also known as PJs. These teams specialise in rescuing personnel from combat zones. “They are essentially dedicated to just this,” said Aaron MacLean. He added that they “operate with different aviation packages to insert in these exact circumstances.”
Downed crew members also receive survival training. They carry first-aid kits and know how to treat injuries themselves. They also use communication tools to stay connected. Experts say they are equipped with GPS trackers, locator beacons, and encrypted radios. These tools help them avoid enemy forces while guiding rescuers.
Rare Loss of US Fighter Jet
This incident marks the first time in more than two decades that a US fighter jet has been shot down in combat. The last such case happened during the 2003 Iraq War, when an A-10 Thunderbolt II was downed.
Trump Dismisses Impact on Talks
Despite the setback, US President Donald Trump said the incident would not affect ongoing talks with Iran. “No, not at all,” he said. “No, it’s war.”
Iran Mocks US After Incident
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf criticised the US and mocked its strategy. “After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from ‘regime change’ to ‘Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?’” He added, “Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.”