US, Iran race to recover crew after F-15 shot down

Iranian and American forces raced Saturday to recover a crew member from a US F-15 fighter jet that went down inside Iran, according to AFP, marking the first such loss in Iranian territory since the war began.

Tehran said it shot down the aircraft, while US media reported one of the two crew members had been rescued by American special forces, with the other still missing.

Iran’s military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with American media reporting the pilot was rescued.

US Central Command did not immediately comment, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The president has been briefed.”

President Donald Trump said the loss would not affect negotiations, telling NBC: “No, not at all. No, it’s war.”

Footage circulating online appears to show US planes and helicopters searching for pilots after a US F‑15E fighter jet was shot down over Khuzestan province in central Iran.

Videos show low‑flying aircraft and rescue helicopters in the area, with some unconfirmed clips seemingly… pic.twitter.com/7zI7R2k6jv

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) April 3, 2026