By Obinna Uballa
A United States F-15 fighter jet has been downed over southwestern Iran, prompting an urgent search and rescue operation, officials confirmed on Friday. At least one crew member has been rescued, while the fate of the second remains unknown.
Iranian state media reported that the plane was shot down by Iranian forces, a claim that remains under investigation. A circulating video shows what appears to be a U.S. aircraft accompanied by two helicopters flying over Khuzestan province, consistent with search and rescue activity.
The U.S. military launched the operation with assistance from Israel, according to an Israeli military officer briefed on the matter. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed.
The F-15E Strike Eagle, a dual-role fighter jet used for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, carries a two-person crew, a pilot and a Weapons Systems Officer.
Reports say these jets have played a central role in U.S. defensive operations over Iran, particularly against drones and cruise missiles. Officials suggest a surface-to-air missile (SAM) may have brought down the aircraft, though this has not been confirmed.
The incident marks the first known case of a U.S. fighter jet being shot down during the current conflict with Iran. It raises questions about Tehran’s remaining air defense capabilities and the risks facing U.S. personnel in the region.
Iranian officials have urged capturing the American pilot alive and reportedly offered a local reward for any information leading to the crew’s location.
Meanwhile, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked the U.S. on social media, highlighting the perceived embarrassment for American forces.
The downing of the F-15 comes amid heightened military activity in the region. Israel has claimed to have destroyed 70% of Iran’s steel production, which it says is a key resource for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Recent U.S. strikes have also targeted infrastructure, including a bridge near Karaj, which Iranian officials reported killed eight people and injured dozens.
The Middle East remains on high alert as the U.S. and Israel continue their operations while Iran retaliates with missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf neighbors. In Kuwait, a drone strike hit the Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery and a desalination plant, causing material damage and further heightening tensions.
Military analysts note that while the U.S. has previously emphasized air superiority over Iran, this incident underscores the continuing risks and limitations of that control. It also raises the stakes for potential escalation, including any discussions of a U.S. ground operation.
The White House and Pentagon have been tight-lipped, citing the sensitivity of ongoing rescue operations. U.S. officials are expected to provide more details as the search continues and the situation develops.
