PoliticsWorldGeneralHOTSunday, April 5, 2026

All Crew Members Rescued After US Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran

A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on April 3, 2026, reportedly by Iranian forces in southern Iran. Initial reports indicated a search and rescue operation was underway for the aircraft's two-member crew. One crew member was rescued by U.S. forces shortly after the incident, while the second pilot remained missing. Iranian authorities also initiated a search and offered a US$66,100 reward for assistance in capturing the missing aviator. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed the rescue of the second pilot via social media, stating the aviator was injured but expected to recover after taking refuge in Iran's mountains. Reports suggest a fierce exchange of fire occurred during the rescue operation, which involved dozens of U.S. aircraft.

3 Updates

Update #4\u00b7 Apr 6 · 12:34 AM

Iran's Joint Military Headquarters has claimed responsibility for shooting down the American fighter jet, stating it used its latest air defense system last Friday. A spokesperson added that these new systems provide Iran with "absolute full control" over its airspace. Reports from Iran also indicate that two American fighter jets crashed into Iranian territory after being targeted, one of which was an F-15E. Additionally, Iran has stated that President Donald Trump's claim of rescuing the pilot is false, with an Iranian military spokesman declaring they would "show hell to enemies." The rescue of the first pilot is now reported to have occurred 36 hours after the crash.

Update #3\u00b7 Apr 5 · 9:31 AM

US special forces have successfully rescued the second crew member of the F-15E fighter jet, who was previously missing after the incident over Iran. This confirms that all personnel from the downed aircraft are now safe. President Donald Trump described this as the 'most courageous' search and rescue operation in American history, adding that 'tens of thousands' of advanced armed fighter jets were deployed for the mission. The rescued officer is reported to be safe and well.

Update #2\u00b7 Apr 5 · 6:31 AM

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the successful rescue of one American Air Force Colonel, identified as a weapon controller officer, from the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet shot down over Iran. The President described the operation as one of the most risky and severe in US military history. Reports indicate the rescue operation took two days after the incident, with the Colonel sustaining non-serious injuries.

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