One crew member from a United States fighter jet shot down over Iran has been rescued, while efforts continue to locate a second service member still missing, according to U.S. officials cited in media reports.
The rescued pilot was recovered by two U.S. military helicopters after ejecting from the aircraft, identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle. During the operation, one of the helicopters came under small arms fire, injuring personnel on board. The aircraft was able to land safely, and those wounded are receiving medical treatment before being transferred for further care.
Search operations remain underway for the second crew member, a weapons systems officer who was also aboard the jet when it was downed.
In a separate incident tied to the rescue mission, a U.S. A-10 aircraft was damaged after coming under fire. Its pilot ejected over nearby waters and was successfully recovered, according to officials.
The downing of the aircraft and subsequent rescue efforts underscore the dangers facing U.S. forces operating in the region amid the ongoing conflict. The Pentagon has not issued an official statement on the incidents.
Officials from both the United States and Israel, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed that at least one crew member had been safely recovered.
Meanwhile, civilians in Iran reported witnessing the intensifying conflict firsthand. A resident in central Tehran described seeing a projectile streak overhead followed by an explosion, with smoke rising from an area that includes key government buildings and a major medical research center.
Iranian authorities confirmed that the facility was struck, while residents also reported damage to nearby police stations.
Iranian state media has claimed responsibility for shooting down the U.S. aircraft. The F-15E is a two-seat fighter jet equipped with advanced systems and emergency locator equipment designed to assist in recovery operations after an ejection.
The incident comes as fighting between Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate, with both sides carrying out strikes across multiple locations.
The successful recovery of one crew member highlights the effectiveness of U.S. search-and-rescue operations, even in hostile environments. However, the injuries sustained during the mission and the ongoing search for a second crew member illustrate the significant risks involved.
The damage to an additional aircraft during the rescue effort further emphasizes the contested nature of the airspace, challenging earlier claims of full operational control.
At the same time, reports from civilians in Tehran point to the widening impact of the conflict on populated areas and critical infrastructure. As strikes extend deeper into urban centers, the risk to civilians and essential services increases.
The situation remains fluid, with the fate of the missing crew member and the potential for further escalation continuing to shape the course of the conflict.
