Tehran releases wreckage images as reports say F-15E was shot down and US launches search-and-rescue mission for missing crew member
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenLiu ZhenPublished: 1:47am, 4 Apr 2026Updated: 1:50am, 4 Apr 2026One crew member from a US fighter jet shot down over Iran has been rescued by US forces, multiple news outlets reported on Friday, citing two US officials, while a second crew member remains missing.
Iran on Friday claimed to have shot down an American fighter jet, releasing photos of apparent wreckage of an F-15E, while the United States reportedly launched a search-and-rescue operation for the crew.
Earlier, Iranian state media released photos and videos purported to be the debris of the downed aircraft and one of its ejection seats.
The US military did not immediately confirm or deny the reports. But several news outlets cited official sources saying a US fighter jet was downed and a search and rescue effort was under way.
If confirmed, it would mark the first time a US fighter jet has been shot down in combat during the war with Iran since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28.
The Iranian armed forces initially claimed it was an F-35 brought down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ air defence system.
