US, Iran Search for Missing Crew After American Fighter Jet Shot Down
Iranian and US forces are racing to locate a missing crew member after an American F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Tehran said its air defence systems destroyed the aircraft on Friday, while US media reported that American special forces successfully rescued one of the two crew members. The second crew member remains unaccounted for.
Iran also claimed it had downed a US A-10 attack aircraft in the Gulf, though reports indicate the pilot in that incident was safely recovered.
The latest developments come amid a broader war that erupted more than a month ago following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The conflict has since spread across the Middle East, disrupting global markets and raising concerns over energy supplies.
A spokesperson for Iran’s military said the F-15 was “completely obliterated” and that search operations are ongoing. Iranian state media added that a reward would be offered for anyone who captures a surviving crew member.
Washington has yet to officially confirm the loss of the aircraft. However, the White House said the president had been briefed. President Donald Trump downplayed the incident’s impact on diplomatic efforts, stating that it would not affect ongoing negotiations.
Military analysts say that in such situations, downed pilots are trained to evade capture and prioritize concealment until rescue teams arrive.
Meanwhile, fighting continues across the region. Explosions were reported in northern Tehran, and strikes have increasingly targeted economic and industrial infrastructure, heightening fears of further disruption to global oil and gas flows.
In one US strike west of Tehran, local reports said at least 13 civilians were killed and dozens wounded. Iran has also warned it may intensify attacks on regional energy facilities in response to US threats.
Elsewhere, violence has spread to neighboring countries. Drone strikes have hit oil infrastructure in the Gulf, while debris from aerial interceptions caused minor damage in Dubai.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces said they have carried out thousands of strikes against Hezbollah targets over the past month, including attacks on key transport routes. Explosions were also reported in Beirut, with casualties continuing to rise.
As the conflict deepens, the search for the missing US crew member underscores the growing risks of direct confrontation between the two adversaries.
