WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States (US) and Iran launched parallel efforts on Saturday to locate and recover crew members from a downed US fighter jet, as the ongoing conflict between the two sides intensified across the region.
Read More: Iran hunts crashed US jet crew, as reports say one rescued
Iranian authorities claimed they had shot down an F-15 aircraft inside their airspace, while US media reported that American special forces managed to rescue one of the two crew members, with the second still missing. Tehran also said its forces downed an A-10 aircraft in the Gulf, though reports indicated the pilot was safely recovered.
The incident comes amid a widening conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting a broader regional escalation. The confrontation has since spread across multiple countries, disrupting global markets and raising concerns over prolonged instability.
A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran and a search is underway for the crew, three US sources and Iranian state media say https://t.co/cLp4HjNqOw pic.twitter.com/jMD8DR1Rc3
— CNN International (@cnni) April 3, 2026
US officials did not immediately confirm details of the aircraft losses. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump had been briefed. Trump later stated the incident would not impact ongoing diplomatic efforts, remarking, “No, it’s war.”
After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from “regime change” to “Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?🥺”
Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 3, 2026
Iran’s military said its air defence systems destroyed the jet and continued search operations in the crash area. Iranian media also reported that a reward would be offered for the capture of any surviving crew member.
Meanwhile, fighting expanded across the region, with fresh strikes reported in Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. Civilian areas have increasingly been affected, with reports of casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Iranian officials warned of further escalation, particularly targeting energy facilities, while analysts cautioned that the conflict could deepen its impact on global oil supplies.
Read More: Iran downs U.S. jet; crew missing
As both sides intensify military operations, uncertainty remains over the fate of the missing crew member and the broader trajectory of the conflict.