Iran claims it downed US jet, captured pilot who ejected
What's the story
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to have shot down a United States fighter jet, an F-15E Strike Eagle, according to reports. The country's Tasnim news agency reported that an American pilot had ejected from the aircraft over southern Iran and was likely captured. Separately, the Iranian media also reported that a second American F-35 fighter jet was brought down in central Iran, claiming the debris matched the aircraft's design.
Pilot's fate
Forces ask public not to mistreat captured pilot
Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that civilians were rushing to the supposed F-15E crash site, with many trying to capture the American pilot. However, the Iranian armed forces have asked the public not to mistreat the pilot and announced a reward for capturing him alive. Meanwhile, the F-35 jet was reportedly shot down by an advanced air defense system operated by the IRGC's Aerospace Force, and its pilot is unlikely to have survived.
Failed to rescue
US attempted to rescue pilot from Iran's border
Also, reports suggested that the US tried to rescue the ejected F-15E pilot from Iran's border, believing he may be alive, but the Iranian forces eventually captured him. Moreover, videos shared by IRGC-linked accounts on X showed an American chopper and a C-130 Hercules flying low in Iranian territory during the alleged operation. Armed tribesmen and villagers in Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad were also on the lookout for US forces after learning of their possible rescue attempt.
The F-35
Why F-35 is a big deal
Ever since the Israel‑US‑Iran conflict began on February 28, both the US and Israel have heavily relied on the F‑35 in combat operations. Often seen as a cornerstone of American air power, the fifth‑generation fighter reportedly costs over $100 million per unit. Iranian forces have claimed to have destroyed two F‑35s so far, although some reports suggest the total may be three, including the one allegedly downed in central Iran on Friday.
Additional claims
Claims of downed US helicopter in Iraq
In addition to the fighter jets, reports also claimed that Iranian air defense systems shot down an American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Iraqi airspace. However, all these claims by the Iranian media and forces remain unverified, while the US is yet to comment on the same. These developments come as US President Donald Trump signaled plans for increased military intervention in and around Iran.