OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
Friday, April 3, 2026
UPDATE: 10:08 AM – One of the two crew members piloting the U.S. F-15E fighter jet reportedly downed in Iran has been rescued by American special forces, according to U.S. officials speaking to CBS News and an Israeli official speaking to Axios.
The pilot and weapon systems officer likely ejected on Friday, according to their training.
Iranian media said helicopters were searching for the crew members. Videos on social media showed what appeared to be low-flying helicopters and a C-130 airplane in southwestern Iran, The New York Times reported.
The search and rescue mission is ongoing.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
9:00 AM – A U.S. F-15 fighter jet has reportedly been shot down over southern Iran, with Iranian state media claiming the regime downed the aircraft. The incident prompted search and rescue missions for the aircraft’s two-person crew.
Tehran’s state media shared images of debris from the crash on Friday.
The Pentagon has not yet officially confirmed the incident, though one official speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity said that a search was already underway for any survivors.
President Donald Trump has not yet commented on the status of the aircraft or its crew, but has been briefed about the issue from multiple U.S. intelligence reports, according to The New York Times.
If reports are confirmed, this would mark the first time a United States aircraft has been shot down by enemy forces since the start of Operation Epic Fury.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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