Iranian forces have shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over southwestern Iran, US and Israeli media reported on Friday, as the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran showed signs of further escalation.
According to multiple US sources, the two‑seat F-15E was brought down in southwestern Iran. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched for the crew.
US broadcaster CBS News and Israeli media reported that one crew member has been rescued. The fate of the second crew member remains unclear as operations continue.
Iranian Response
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was actively searching the area where the jet came down. The regional governor reportedly offered a commendation to anyone who captures or kills the pilot or pilots. Iranian state media released images of what it claimed was debris from the aircraft and aired videos showing residents firing at low‑flying US helicopters conducting search missions.
Iranian military sources initially claimed the downed aircraft was an F-35 stealth jet, but debris images and US reporting point to an F-15E Strike Eagle.
US Silence
The Pentagon and US Central Command have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
The loss of the jet highlights the continued risks faced by US and Israeli aircraft operating over Iranian airspace, despite repeated assertions by President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that coalition forces maintain air superiority.
The incident comes as President Trump has threatened further strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, if Tehran does not agree to a ceasefire deal.
The situation remains highly fluid, with both sides bracing for possible further escalation in the conflict.
Based on reporting by CBS News, Israeli media, and Iranian state media. Additional analysis by The Credibility News.
