U.S. officials confirmed that an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran, with a search and rescue operation launched immediately following the incident.
According to U.S. officials, one of the two crew members has been successfully rescued by American forces. Efforts remain ongoing to locate and recover the second crew member.
Iran has claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft. Images circulating online and verified by U.S. sources show aerial activity over Iran’s Khuzestan Province, including a refueling aircraft and helicopters flying at low altitude, consistent with a combat search-and-rescue mission.
The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat aircraft, making the recovery of both crew members a priority for U.S. forces.
The incident marks the first confirmed case of a U.S. fighter jet being downed over Iran during the current war, representing a significant escalation in direct engagements.
Separately, regional tensions continue to rise as oil prices climb following strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Iranian missile and drone attacks have also impacted facilities across the Gulf, including oil, gas, and desalination sites, with casualties reported in the UAE.
