Iranian air defenses claim to have shot down a US A-10 Warthog attack aircraft and an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet during intense clashes in Iranian airspace. One pilot ejected safely and was rescued by US forces, while the second remains missing amid urgent search-and-rescue operations across hostile terrain. Pentagon figures show 365 US service members wounded in the conflict so far, with the death toll holding at 13.
Aircraft Shoot-Downs Confirmed
Footage from Iranian state media captures the A-10 Warthog exploding mid-air near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf moments after the pilot ejected. Officials report the F-15E Strike Eagle also crashed, scattering debris and an ejection seat in the rural, mountainous Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Each F-15E costs around $100 million. This marks the first US jets downed by enemy fire since the war began 35 days ago.
High-Stakes Rescue Mission
US forces launched a daring operation to recover the A-10 pilot, who was successfully extracted. Efforts continue for the F-15E pilot, believed to have activated an emergency location signal. Videos show low-flying US jets, including an HC-130J Combat King II, KC-130 tanker, and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, conducting searches. A US Black Hawk helicopter took enemy fire during the mission but its crew is safe. Locals reportedly fired at rescue aircraft, complicating operations.
Casualty Figures Rise
Updated Pentagon data reveals 365 wounded personnel: 247 Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines, and 36 Air Force airmen. The conflict, now in its 35th day, sees heightened risks for US troops.
Leadership Responds
President Donald Trump received briefings from his national security team in the Oval Office. Asked by a reporter if the incidents would derail US-Iran negotiations, Trump replied: “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war.” He emphasized the operations would not impact talks. In a recent national address, Trump pledged to wind down the conflict in coming weeks.
Iranian Public Mobilization
Iranian state media urged southern residents to hunt the missing pilots, promising rewards for captures and instructing civilians to “shoot them if you see them” regarding low-flying US aircraft. A female anchor on a local channel in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province broadcast the call to action.
Escalating Regional Attacks
Iran launched strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure, hitting a desalination plant and oil refinery in Kuwait plus a gas complex in Abu Dhabi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video: “Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70% of Iran’s steel production capacity. This is a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial sources and the ability to produce a large number of weapons. In full coordination between myself and President Trump, between the IDF and the United States Army, we will continue to crush Iran. This regime is weaker than ever – Israel is stronger than ever.”
