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US Fighter Jet Downed Over Iran; One Pilot Rescued, Another is Missing

By Mark Young

April 3, 2026
4:58 pm
Los Angeles, CA

A U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over southwestern Iran, prompting an active search-and-rescue operation for two crew members believed to have been aboard the aircraft. According to U.S. media reports, the aircraft—identified by sources as an F-15E—went down after coming under fire. Two crew members were aboard at the time and are believed to have ejected safely. One pilot has since been recovered alive by U.S. special forces, while efforts continue to locate the second. Iranian state media claim responsibility for downing the jet and say military units are actively searching for the missing pilot. Initial broadcasts urged civilians to locate and detain any surviving crew members, later offering rewards for their capture. Some messaging circulated on local channels appeared to encourage hostile action before shifting to

A U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over southwestern Iran, prompting an active search-and-rescue operation for two crew members believed to have been aboard the aircraft.

According to U.S. media reports, the aircraft—identified by sources as an F-15E—went down after coming under fire. Two crew members were aboard at the time and are believed to have ejected safely. One pilot has since been recovered alive by U.S. special forces, while efforts continue to locate the second.

Iranian state media claim responsibility for downing the jet and say military units are actively searching for the missing pilot. Initial broadcasts urged civilians to locate and detain any surviving crew members, later offering rewards for their capture. Some messaging circulated on local channels appeared to encourage hostile action before shifting to financial incentives.

Video verified by independent analysts appears to show a U.S. aircraft flying over Khuzestan province, accompanied by helicopters. Iranian outlets have also released images purportedly showing wreckage from the crash, though the type of aircraft has not been independently confirmed.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, including recent military activity and concerns over potential escalation. A regional official told media outlets that planned Israeli strikes were postponed to avoid interfering with the rescue operation, underscoring the sensitivity of the situation.

The White House said President Donald Trump has been briefed. As of now, the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have not issued formal public statements.

Direct military incidents between U.S. and Iranian forces are rare but carry significant geopolitical risk, particularly in contested areas such as the Persian Gulf and surrounding regions. Analysts warn that even isolated events—such as the downing of an aircraft—can quickly intensify already fragile dynamics.