U.S. officials confirm one crew member recovered by special forces as search continues for second pilot following aircraft loss in Iranian territory.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down over Iran, with one of the two crew members rescued and the second still unaccounted for as search operations continue, according to multiple reports confirmed Friday.
Newsmax confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation.
The aircraft, identified in reports as an F-15E, was struck by Iranian fire, prompting both crew members to eject safely, according to Axios. One pilot has since been located and recovered by U.S. special forces, with CBS News reporting that the rescue took place داخل Iranian territory.
Efforts remain underway to locate the second crew member.
An Israeli official said planned Israeli military strikes were called off to avoid interfering with the recovery operation, underscoring the sensitivity of ongoing efforts to secure both pilots.
Iranian state media reported that at least one pilot had ejected from the aircraft and broadcast messages urging civilians to locate and capture any surviving U.S. personnel. A local television channel described captured pilots as a “precious prize,” while an on-screen message escalated further, encouraging viewers to “shoot them if you see them,” referring to individuals allegedly visible in circulating footage.
The messaging later shifted to offering a reward.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that military forces had launched a search operation, while a broadcaster addressed residents in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, stating that anyone who captured a pilot and turned them over to authorities would receive a “valuable reward and bonus.”
State media also released images and video said to show debris from the downed aircraft, including what appeared to be an ejection seat. The footage suggested the aircraft may have been an F-15 fighter jet, though that detail has not been independently verified.
The Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, and the White House had not issued formal public statements at the time of reporting.
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