US FIGHTER JET SHOT DOWN OVER IRAN, SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY

April 3, 2026

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By: Muftau Fatimo

A United States fighter jet has been downed over Iranian territory, representing the first confirmed loss of a US aircraft to Iranian air defenses since the escalation of the ongoing conflict, according to both American officials and Iranian state media.

Several US sources confirmed the incident to CNN, supporting Iranian reports that the jet was intercepted and destroyed by the country’s air defense systems.

The aircraft, identified in reports and circulating images as an F-15E Strike Eagle, reportedly crashed in or near Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, roughly 470 kilometers from the capital, Tehran.

Iranian sources attributed the downing of the aircraft to “advanced and newly developed” air defence systems operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC.

Images and video footage circulated by Iranian outlets purported to show debris from the crash, including what appeared to be an ejection seat, although independent verification remains limited.

Earlier claims from Iranian sources suggested the aircraft was an F-35, but available evidence and U.S.-based reporting point to an F-15E.

As of Friday afternoon, neither the Pentagon, United States Central Command, CENTCOM, nor the White House had issued an official statement regarding the incident or the fate of the crew.

Observers note that such silence is typical during active combat search-and-rescue operations in contested areas.