Iran03 April, 20261 min read
Iran Shoots Down US A-10 Warthog and F-15; Rescue Under Way
F-15E and A-10 downed in Iran. One aircrew member rescued; search for the other continues.
Iran Downs Two US Jets
Iranian forces shot down two American military aircraft. The A-10 Warthog pilot was rescued.
One of the two F-15 crew members was rescued; one remained missing. This was the first confirmed combat loss of US crewed aircraft during the conflict.
Iran Releases Footage, Boasts Victory
Iran broadcast visuals purporting to show the moment they downed the two US jets. Tehran was quick to boast about the incident as a second successful hit within 24 hours.
Iranian Parliament Speaker mocked Trump's claims of victory. The capture of missing US personnel could shift the diplomatic calculus.
Rescue Efforts and Damage
US search-and-rescue forces mounted a large operation. At least one rescue helicopter was hit but managed to land.
The Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed. The Council on Foreign Relations called the campaign a major shift to pursuing regime change.