US forces are racing against Iranian forces to locate a missing airman from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet in a remote, mountainous region of southern Iran, as tensions escalate in the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
One of the two crew members aboard the F-15E — the first American combat aircraft confirmed shot down inside Iran since the war began about five weeks ago — has been successfully rescued by US forces. The search continues for the second crew member amid reports of hostile territory and Iranian efforts to capture him.
What we know so far
- The F-15 incident: Iranian air defenses shot down the two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle on Friday. US officials confirm one crew member was recovered during a combat search-and-rescue operation. The fate and location of the second airman remain unknown, prompting a large-scale US effort in challenging terrain.
- Iran’s response: Iranian state media reports the military downed the jet and is offering rewards (around £50,000 or $66,100) to citizens who assist in capturing the missing American crew member. Tehran has released images and video it claims show the wreckage.
- Second aircraft hit: During the rescue mission, Iran claims it shot down or damaged a US A-10 Warthog (Thunderbolt II) attack aircraft. The pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf/near the Strait of Hormuz and was safely rescued, according to US media reports citing officials. Some accounts say the A-10 made it to Kuwaiti airspace before the pilot ejected.
- Additional risks: Reports indicate two US Black Hawk helicopters involved in the search were hit by Iranian fire but managed to exit Iranian airspace, with some crew injuries reported.
The incidents mark a significant escalation, highlighting Iran’s ability to inflict losses despite ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
Trump’s response
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the events. The White House initially issued a brief statement confirming the briefing. Trump has indicated the downing of the jet will not derail ongoing negotiations or mediation efforts with Iran, while declining to detail potential US responses if the missing airman is captured or harmed. No full official statement on the two aircraft incidents has been released yet.
Separately, the US has reported that 365 service members have been wounded in action since the start of the broader conflict.
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