US Fighter Jet Downed: Iran Search for Pilot Ongoing

A major search and rescue operation was underway Friday night for a crew member of a United States F-15E fighter that was shot down over Iran, after the second crew member was rescued by U.S. forces. This marks the first such incident since the start of the conflict.

Search for Missing Pilot

U.S. helicopters, planes and reconnaissance drones participated in the search. Iranian state media released images of a tail fin and other debris allegedly from the downed plane, claiming it had been hit by a new air defense system over central Iran and the pilot likely killed.

Second U.S. Aircraft Downed

Separately, Iranian state media reported that a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft had crashed into the Persian Gulf after being struck by Iranian defense forces. The status of that aircraft’s crew and its exact location were not immediately known.

Reward Offered for Crew Capture

An Iranian official called for a widespread search to locate the F-15E fighter crew, and the local governor offered a reward for anyone who captured or killed them. The possibility of a U.S. pilot being alive and on the run inside Iran raises the stakes for the Trump administration.

Trump’s Response

President Donald Trump declined to comment on what the United States would do if the missing F-15 crew member, forced to eject after being shot down over Iran, were harmed. Asked what action would be taken if the pilot were captured or harmed, Trump replied, “Well, I can’t comment on it because – we hope that’s not going to happen,” and reportedly ended the call shortly thereafter.

Escalating Conflict and International Concerns

Trump has reiterated his vows to increase attacks on Iran’s infrastructure as dozens of countries seek ways to restart vital energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly five weeks after it began with a joint U.S.-Israeli aerial assault, the conflict continues to spread chaos across the region and raise oil prices, increasing pressure on Trump to find a quick resolution.

Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure

Trump has stepped up his rhetoric in recent days as negotiations with new leaders in Iran show limited progress. He posted video of the U.S. bombing a newly constructed bridge between Tehran and Karaj. Iran’s state media reported eight people were killed and 95 others wounded in the attack.

“Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender,” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said in a statement.

Air strikes also destroyed the Pasteur Institute in Tehran, one of Iran’s leading public health institutions responsible for vaccine production and distribution.

Allegations of War Crimes

More than 100 U.S. international law experts have expressed serious concerns about potential violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes, based on the conduct of U.S. forces and statements by senior U.S. officials.

The experts’ letter specifically cited a mid-March comment from Trump suggesting the U.S. may conduct strikes on Iran “just for fun,” and comments from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stating the U.S. does not fight with “stupid rules of engagement.”

Israeli Involvement

Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israel had significantly damaged Iran’s industrial base, claiming the Israeli air force had destroyed roughly 70 percent of the country’s steel production capacity in recent days. “This is a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial resources and the ability to produce many weapons,” he said.

Ultimatum and Potential Escalation

Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz, which expires Monday. He has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure if the strategic waterway remains closed to most international shipping. If no compromise is reached, the U.S. president is considering a significant escalation, including the potential deployment of U.S. forces on the ground in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or along Iran’s coastline.

On Friday, the 35th day of the conflict, U.S. and Israeli air strikes targeted regime targets and key infrastructure in Tehran and elsewhere. Iran continued launching rockets and drones at Israel and Gulf states, with northern Israel being the worst-hit area, targeted by Iran and Hizbullah in Lebanon. An Israeli drone factory in central Israel suffered significant damage.

Three more United Nations peacekeepers from the Unifil force were wounded in an explosion in south Lebanon – two with serious injuries. Unifil is investigating the source of the explosion.