The hunt is on for a missing American pilot after a US F-15E fighter jet was downed over southern Iran. While one crew member has been rescued, the fate of the second airman remains unknown amid ongoing search-and-rescue operations involving helicopters and support aircraft.
Reports from CBS News and US officials confirm that one crew member of the F-15E was successfully rescued. The rescue operation involved two helicopters and an A-10 Warthog aircraft, which itself was struck by fire during the mission. Although some crew members were injured, the helicopters landed safely.
Iranian state media claims to have shot down both the F-15 and the A-10, though it remains unclear if their report corresponds to the same aircraft incidents reported by US sources. Verified footage shows US helicopters and planes conducting search operations over Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran.
Status of missing crew member
The second F-15E pilot is still unaccounted for, with Iranian forces reportedly offering rewards for their capture. US and Israeli forces are coordinating the search in hostile territory, facing gunfire and other risks. CBS and BBC reports highlight the complexity of the operation and the high stakes for the missing crew member.
President Donald Trump stated in an interview with NBC that the downing of the jet “will not affect negotiations” with Iran and reaffirmed that “we’re in war,” stressing ongoing diplomatic and military coordination.
Escalating military tensions
This incident comes amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed 70% of Iran’s steel production capacity has been destroyed and promised continued pressure on Tehran.
Iran, meanwhile, has launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Power and water facilities, including the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, have been damaged, underscoring regional vulnerability.
So far, the conflict has resulted in over 1,340 Iranian casualties and at least 13 US military deaths, with hundreds more wounded. The US embassy in Beirut issued warnings about potential attacks on universities and urged citizens to evacuate.
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