A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday by Iranian forces, according to U.S. officials cited by multiple outlets. The two-member crew prompted an ongoing combat search-and-rescue operation deep in Iranian territory.
One crew member was rescued by American forces, while efforts continue for the second. Social media videos showed U.S. HC-130 aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters flying low over central Iran to locate survivors. Iranian state media initially claimed an F-35 shootdown but later referenced an F-15E, attributing it to IRGC air defenses.
Related incidents included an A-10 Warthog damaged by fire during the rescue; its pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was recovered. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were struck by Iranian fire but returned safely with injured personnel. President Trump was briefed, amid escalating tensions including warnings over the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks the first manned U.S. aircraft downed by enemy fire in the conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury.