A United States fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, with a search and rescue operation underway for the crew, according to a US official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The official did not provide further details, and both the Pentagon and United States Central Command had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Iranian state-linked media confirmed that a search operation was ongoing. The Fars News Agency reported that military forces had been deployed to locate the American pilot involved in the incident.
In an unusual development, Iranian television broadcasts called on civilians in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to assist in capturing the pilot. A reporter on a local state channel said that anyone who apprehends and hands over the pilot to authorities would receive a reward.
The downing of the aircraft comes amid an intensifying regional conflict that began more than a month ago following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran’s retaliation has since expanded hostilities across the Middle East, triggering sustained military exchanges and raising concerns over broader geopolitical and economic fallout.
On Friday, fresh strikes were reported across multiple locations. Large explosions were heard in northern Tehran, according to journalists on the ground, although the specific targets were not immediately confirmed.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military reported a new wave of missile launches from Iran, prompting the activation of its air defense systems.
The incident marks a significant escalation, as direct losses of US military assets within Iranian territory could further complicate an already volatile conflict with global implications.
