Iranian defense forces claim to have shot down two U.S. aircraft during intense aerial combat in their airspace. An A-10 Warthog attack plane and an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet went down on Friday, forcing both pilots to eject into hostile territory.
Rescue Mission Underway
U.S. forces successfully rescued the A-10 pilot in a high-risk operation near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. The F-15E pilot remains missing, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue effort across enemy lines. Videos show U.S. jets flying low over southern Iran, with reports of ground fire targeting rescue aircraft including an HC-130J Combat King II, KC-130 tanker, and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters.
Iranian officials released footage of the A-10 exploding mid-air after the pilot ejected and images of debris and ejection seats from the F-15E, valued at around $100 million. State broadcasters urged civilians in the rural, mountainous Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to capture the pilots, offering rewards and even instructing locals to shoot at low-flying U.S. planes.
Casualty Update from Pentagon
Latest Pentagon figures show 365 U.S. service members wounded in the conflict so far: 247 Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines, and 36 Air Force personnel. The death toll stands at 13. A U.S. Black Hawk helicopter took enemy fire during rescue operations but its crew is safe.
Leadership Responds
President Donald Trump received briefings from his national security team and stated the incidents will not derail negotiations with Iran. When asked if the downings could end talks, he replied: “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted joint U.S.-Israel strikes, claiming they destroyed 70% of Iran’s steel production. In a video statement, he said: “Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructure… This regime is weaker than ever – Israel is stronger than ever.”
War Enters 35th Day
Now in its 35th day, the conflict sees Iran launching fresh attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, including a desalination plant and oil refinery in Kuwait and a gas complex in Abu Dhabi. Friday marks the first confirmed U.S. jet loss to enemy fire since hostilities began, signaling potential escalation despite Trump’s pledge to wind down the war soon.
