A United States warplane has reportedly gone down over Iran, with American forces successfully rescuing one crew member while continuing the search for another, according to major US media outlets.
Reports from outlets such as CBS News and Axios indicate that two personnel were onboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. One has been recovered by US special forces, while efforts remain ongoing to locate the second individual.
Further details from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal suggest that the aircraft involved was an F-15E Strike Eagle, a two-seat fighter jet operated by a pilot and a weapons systems officer.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that analysis of images released by Iranian media supports the identification of the aircraft as an F-15, contradicting earlier claims that it was a stealth F-35 Lightning II.
Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on the situation, though there has been no official confirmation or detailed response from the White House or the Pentagon at the time of reporting.
US media sources also indicate that a search-and-rescue mission involving specialized American forces is actively underway. If confirmed, this would mark the first known loss of a US fighter jet inside Iran since the escalation of hostilities under Trump’s orders.
Images and videos circulating on social media and Iranian outlets reportedly show US helicopters and other aircraft flying at low altitude near the suspected crash site, suggesting an ongoing and high-stakes recovery effort.
The situation remains fluid, with more details expected as official statements emerge.
What you should know
A US warplane crash in Iran has triggered a high-risk rescue mission, with one crew member already saved and another still missing.
Reports identify the aircraft as an F-15E, not an F-35 as initially claimed. The incident marks a significant escalation, potentially being the first US jet loss inside Iran in the current conflict.
While President Trump has been briefed, no official confirmation has been issued, leaving key details uncertain as rescue operations continue.
