New Delhi: A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, American officials confirmed, as conflicting reports from Iranian media claimed that multiple US aircraft were brought down during the incident.
According to The New York Times, which cited US officials, a US fighter jet was downed over Iranian territory. US forces launched a search and rescue mission to locate any survivors. One crew member has been rescued by American forces, CBS News reported.
Conflicting claims on aircraft
Iranian media reported that two US fighter jets, including an F-15E and a fifth generation F-35, were shot down by its air defence systems. However, US authorities have not confirmed the type of aircraft involved.
Reports also said one crew member from a downed US jet has been rescued. The F-15E Strike Eagle has two crew members, while the F-35 is operated by a single pilot.
Rescue mission and helicopter claim
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency claimed that a US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was also shot down in Iraqi airspace. The helicopter was reportedly part of the rescue operation launched by the US to locate the downed jet crew.
US officials have not confirmed the helicopter loss. Iranian reports also said US aircraft, including C-130 Hercules planes, were deployed for the rescue mission but retreated after coming under fire from Iranian air defence systems.
Warnings and social media footage
Iranian broadcasters issued warnings to residents, asking them to report or hand over any “enemy pilot” and offering rewards. Some reports also claimed that public appeals were made urging people to act if they spotted US personnel.
Videos circulating on social media showed what was claimed to be a C-130 aircraft flying low over southern Iran, accompanied by helicopters. The authenticity of these visuals has not been independently verified.
Rising tensions after US strike
The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump praised a US strike on the Karaj bridge in Iran. Tehran had warned of retaliation against US and allied assets in the region.
Iranian outlets also released images claiming to show debris of an F-35 fighter jet shot down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian officials suggested that the pilot may not have ejected.
The US Central Command and the White House have not issued a detailed response on the broader claims made by Iranian media.