Both crew members ejected from the aircraft, a U.S. official told media on condition of anonymity. One of the two has been rescued, while a search and rescue operation is ongoing for the second, whose status remains unclear.
Iranian state media reported that the aircraft was shot down by Iran’s armed forces. If confirmed, it would mark the first instance of Iran downing a U.S. jet since the conflict began five weeks ago.
Images published by Iranian outlets purportedly show wreckage of the aircraft, identified as a U.S. F-15 fighter. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the region, has not commented on the incident.
Footage circulating on social media indicates that U.S. forces launched a combat search and rescue operation shortly after the crash. Residents in the area recorded H-60 Black Hawk helicopters flying at low altitude along with a C-130 aircraft supporting the mission.
Tasnim News Agency reported that U.S. forces deployed a C-130 Hercules aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters to locate the crew. The helicopters appeared configured for combat search and rescue operations, including aerial refuelling capability.
The incident comes amid a sustained U.S. air campaign against Iran involving high-intensity operations. During the campaign, four F-15E aircraft have reportedly been lost, including earlier incidents involving friendly fire and unclear causes.
The broader conflict has also seen strikes on U.S. assets in the region. Last week, an Iranian missile hit a base in Saudi Arabia, destroying a U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft valued at approximately $300 million.
The crash and ongoing rescue operation highlight the risks associated with the current air campaign. Officials have not provided further details as efforts continue to locate the missing crew member.
