Iran Downs U.S. Fighter Jet; One Pilot Rescued

Major developments are unfolding after Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet during the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran, marking a significant escalation in the war.

According to U.S. officials cited by Reuters, the aircraft was identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle, a two-seat fighter jet operating over Iranian territory. A search-and-rescue mission recovered one crew member, while efforts continued to locate the second.

The incident represents the first confirmed loss of a U.S. fighter aircraft inside Iran since the current phase of the conflict began roughly five weeks earlier, underscoring rising risks to American air operations.

Iranian authorities urged civilians to help locate the remaining crew member and reported Revolutionary Guard activity near the crash site, further complicating recovery efforts.

Officials say the shootdown comes as fighting intensifies across the region, with ongoing missile exchanges, infrastructure strikes and continued warnings from Washington about possible additional military action.