U.S. officials report that an F-15E fighter jet and an A-10 attack aircraft were shot down by hostile fire during separate combat missions against Iran on Friday, sparking an intense ongoing search-and-rescue operation for one missing crew member.
The F-15 crashed inside Iran after taking fire; one of its two crew members was rescued, but their condition remains unclear. The A-10 pilot, hit by incoming fire, flew the damaged plane into Kuwaiti airspace, ejected, and was safely recovered. Two U.S. search-and-rescue helicopters were also struck by Iranian fire, injuring personnel aboard, but both returned safely to base.
These incidents, confirmed by three anonymous U.S. officials, challenge prior Trump administration claims of air superiority over Iran following a month of strikes on its weapons sites.
The Pentagon has not commented. This marks the first time a crewed U.S. aircraft has been downed in Iranian territory since the conflict started, heightening risks for troops amid the rescue efforts.
In Tehran, Iranians celebrated the downings, with military officials hailing them as proof of their forces' enduring strength against the U.S. and Israel.
Iran Claims to Shoot Down Six U.S. Aircraft in a Single Day
Iranian state media reported that the country’s air defence forces successfully targeted and shot down six American aircraft in a single day.
According to the Iranian news agency, the strike included one U.S. Air Force fighter jet along with five other aircraft.
The agency further stated that Iran’s air defense system is capable of tracking every target using advanced camera technology, allowing for precise engagement of enemy aircraft.
Iran Rejects U.S. Proposal for 48-Hour Ceasefire
Iran has rejected a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Iranian media. The proposal was reportedly presented through a third country.
Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan have now come to an end, a U.S. newspaper reported. Iran also refused to meet with U.S. officials in Islamabad and declared the U.S. demands unacceptable.
Media reports indicate that Iran has formally informed the mediators of its decision, signaling a firm stance against the ceasefire proposal.
