One US pilot rescued, one missing inside Iran after F-15 shot down

CENTRAL IRAN: A US fighter jet has been downed over Iran, with one pilot rescued by American forces, according to a US official. The two-seater aircraft is believed to have been shot down on Friday, April 3, and a search operation is ongoing for others on board.

The incident follows reports from Iranian state media claiming responsibility for the strike. The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

US rescues one pilot as search continues for others

A US official confirmed Friday that an F-15 fighter jet went down over Iranian territory, with one pilot successfully rescued by the US military.

The aircraft, which carries two crew members, appears to have been shot down, though officials have not publicly confirmed the exact cause.

The rescue operation was launched after hours of reports from Iranian state media indicating that a US aircraft had been brought down.

US officials said efforts were ongoing to locate any remaining personnel associated with the aircraft. The Pentagon and the White House did not immediately comment on the Iranian claims.

According to Iranian media outlets, the aircraft was targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Nour News, which is linked to the IRGC, reported that the jet “was destroyed in the skies over central Iran by a new advanced air defense system of the IRGC Aerospace Force.”

Additional reports from Iranian state television suggested that a US pilot ejected over a rural area in southwestern Iran. 

A broadcast urged residents to report any sightings of the pilot, while offering incentives for information. A regional official was also cited as calling on locals to assist in locating those on board.

Experts analyzing images circulated by Iranian outlets suggested the aircraft resembled an F-15.

One analyst noted that, “the structure looks like an F-15,” adding that markings appeared consistent with the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.

Incident raises questions as conflict intensifies

The downing of the aircraft comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its second month, with both sides continuing military operations across the region.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident, which represents one of the most significant developments involving US air assets during the conflict.

Iran has previously claimed to have struck American military aircraft, though such incidents have not been confirmed by the White House.

US Central Command did report that an F-35 made an emergency landing on March 19, but did not link it to hostile fire.

The incident follows other early-conflict losses, including reports that Kuwait accidentally shot down three US fighter jets near the start of hostilities. 

Meanwhile, US forces have continued deployments in the Middle East as part of a broader strategy to pressure Iran.

President Trump has previously stated that the US has achieved key objectives in the conflict while urging Iran to negotiate and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade route. He has also warned of further escalation if Tehran does not comply.