U.S. F-15E Fighter Jet Shot Down in Iran; Rescue Underway

On Friday, reports emerged that an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet belonging to the United States was shot down in Iran, marking the first known loss of a U.S. aircraft since the conflict began. The incident was confirmed by major American media outlets, including Axios and CNN, citing unnamed sources.

The aircraft had two crew members on board, and U.S. special forces are currently engaged in search and rescue operations to locate the missing crew member. Initial reports indicated that the wreckage belonged to an F-15, contradicting earlier claims that it was an F-35 Lightning II.

President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, although there was no immediate official confirmation from the White House or the U.S. Department of Defense.

Images circulating on Iranian media suggested that a U.S. helicopter was seen flying at low altitude near the suspected crash site as rescue efforts continued.