A U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, leading to the rescue of one crew member by U.S. forces while the search for the second pilot continues. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides exchanging strikes and Iranian officials calling for civilians to capture or kill the remaining pilot.
A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. One crew member was rescued by U.S. forces and is receiving medical attention, while an urgent search continues for the second pilot, with Israel providing assistance. Iranian state-linked media reported conflicting details, while Iranian officials and news anchors urged civilians to locate the downed airmen, with some calls to 'shoot them if you see them' and promises of rewards for capture or even killing. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, which comes amidst heightened tensions and exchanges of strikes between the U.S. and Iran. Trump had previously suggested the war was nearing an end but continued to threaten further escalation, including targeting Iran's energy infrastructure and celebrating the recent bombing of a bridge in Karaj. This incident is the first time a U.S. aircraft has been lost in Iranian territory during this five-week-old conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties across Iran, Gulf states, the West Bank, Israel, Lebanon, and among U.S. service members.
