Iran has reportedly shot down a United States Air Force F-15 fighter jet, raising fresh concerns over the ongoing conflict and contradicting recent claims by US President Donald Trump about Iran’s military capabilities according to The Intercept.
According to US officials, the aircraft was brought down on Friday, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue mission to locate and recover the crew before Iranian forces could reach them.
The incident comes shortly after Trump declared in a national address that Iran lacked the ability to challenge US air power. “They have no anti-aircraft equipment. Their radar is 100 percent annihilated,” he said. “We are unstoppable as a military force.”
The downing of the jet marks the first confirmed loss of an American combat aircraft since the war began in late February, casting doubt on earlier assessments of Iran’s weakened defence systems.
Officials disclosed that the aircraft had a two-person crew. One crew member has been rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries, while the whereabouts of the second individual remain unknown.
The development follows escalating tensions, including recent US strikes on Iranian infrastructure. One such attack reportedly hit a bridge near Tehran, resulting in casualties, according to Iranian media.
Despite earlier statements by US defence officials suggesting Iran had limited ability to counter aerial operations, the latest incident indicates the country may still possess functioning air defence capabilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media have released images and videos they claim show debris from the downed jet, including parts of the aircraft and an ejection seat.
The situation adds to growing concerns over the human and military cost of the conflict, with reports indicating casualties on both sides as the war continues.