As US and Israeli forces continue search operations for a downed American F-15 fighter jet over Iran, President Donald Trump said the incident will not hinder diplomatic talks with Tehran. Trump also declined to share details of the sensitive rescue operation.
In a phone interview with NBC, President Trump emphasized that the downing of the American jet does not impede negotiations with Iran. “No, not at all. No – it’s war,” he said, highlighting that diplomatic efforts and military operations are proceeding simultaneously.
Trump refrained from discussing specifics of the ongoing search-and-rescue mission, calling it “complex and active” and criticized media coverage of the operation.
Iran claims multiple US aircraft hit
Iranian state media reported on Friday that it had downed a US fighter jet over Iranian territory. The semi-official Tasnim news agency claimed the aircraft was targeted near the Strait of Hormuz in waters south of the strategic waterway.
Iran offered a reward for capturing the crew members. While one US pilot has reportedly been rescued, the fate of the second crew member remains uncertain, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing.
Technical details of aircraft
Reports indicate that the downed plane is an F-15E Strike Eagle, typically operated by a two-person crew. The A-10 aircraft, also mentioned in earlier Iranian claims, is a ground-attack aircraft designed for close air support.
CNN analysts verified the wreckage images released by Iranian media as matching the F-15, while The Wall Street Journal cited Iran’s IRIB state broadcaster, which shared maps showing the region where rescue operations are underway.
Geolocated footage from Khuzestan Province shows low-flying aircraft in formations consistent with air-to-air refueling operations. This marks the first confirmed downing of a US plane over Iran during the ongoing hostilities. Photographs of debris circulated online appear to include parts from the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath.
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