A US fighter jet, identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle, was shot down over Iran on Friday. One crew member was rescued, while search operations continued for the second.

This incident is significant because it is the first time Iran has downed a US fighter aircraft since the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began on February 28.

Rescue Mission Underway

US military officials confirmed that both pilots ejected safely before the aircraft crashed. A search-and-rescue mission was quickly launched, with assistance from Israel.

At the same time, Iran also began looking for the missing pilot. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps reportedly sealed off an area in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, believing the pilot may have landed there.

Helicopters Hit During Search Efforts

During the rescue mission, two US helicopters came under Iranian fire. According to reports, all personnel on board survived and remained safe.

Because of the ongoing search operation, the Israeli Air Force paused strikes in the area to avoid interference.

Limited Information from US Authorities

The Pentagon confirmed receiving a report about “an aircraft being shot down” in the Middle East but did not share further details.

The White House said that President Donald Trump had been briefed. However, officials did not release additional information.

Shortly after, the White House declared a “lid” for the press, meaning Trump would not speak publicly that day. This early decision suggested that officials were staying cautious while the rescue mission continued.

Trump Says Incident Won’t Affect Talks

Before going silent, Trump commented on the situation. He said the downing of the aircraft would not impact ongoing discussions to end the conflict.

“No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war,” Trump told NBS.

Iran Claims Responsibility

Iran’s military claimed it successfully shot down the aircraft using advanced air defence systems.

“An American hostile fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was struck and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force’s advanced air defense system,” said a spokesperson from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command.

“The jet was completely obliterated, and further searches are ongoing,” the spokesman added.

Images circulating online appeared to show debris from the aircraft, although they have not been officially verified.

Iranian Media Calls for Public Involvement

Before confirmation of the rescue, videos showed US drones, helicopters, and aircraft flying over mountainous areas where the pilot was believed to have landed.

Iranian media urged local residents to help locate the missing crew member. Some broadcasts even offered rewards.

“Dear and honorable 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,” an Iranian TV reporter said.

Earlier, some anchors had made more aggressive appeals, asking viewers to “shoot them as soon as you see them.”

Iran’s Fars News Agency also reported that military teams had launched a search operation to find the pilot.

Another US Aircraft Incident Reported

In a separate development, another US aircraft reportedly crashed the same day. According to reports, an A-10 Warthog went down near the Strait of Hormuz.

The pilot from that aircraft was safely rescued. However, officials did not provide details about the cause of the crash.

Series of Aircraft Losses in the Conflict

These incidents are part of a larger pattern of aircraft losses during the ongoing war.

Earlier, a US F-35 Lightning II made an emergency landing after being hit. In another incident, three US F-15 fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait in a friendly fire case.

A week later, a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq, killing six crew members. The military confirmed that this was not due to enemy fire.

More recently, an E-3 Sentry was destroyed in an Iranian attack on an airbase in Saudi Arabia. The strike involved missiles and drones, injuring 12 US personnel and damaging several aircraft.

Rising Casualties in Ongoing War

Since the conflict began on February 28, the number of casualties has continued to rise. More than 300 US service members have been injured, and 13 have been killed.

The latest incident marks a serious escalation, as it is the first confirmed loss of a US fighter jet within Iranian territory.