A United States F-15 Strike Eagle has been shot down over Iran, triggering an intense search operation for a missing crew member.
According to officials, the aircraft, carrying two personnel, was hit by Iranian fire, forcing both occupants to eject.
One crew member has since been rescued alive by US special forces, while efforts to locate the second remain ongoing.
Iranian authorities have also launched a parallel search, reportedly urging civilians to assist in locating the missing individual in exchange for a reward.
In a related development, Iran claimed it also downed a US A-10 aircraft, though reports indicate the pilot survived.
A US Blackhawk helicopter involved in the rescue mission was reportedly hit but remained operational despite sustaining damage.
The incident marks a significant escalation, being the first confirmed case of a US jet downed by enemy fire in the ongoing conflict.
