A joint search effort is underway involving US and Iranian forces after an American warplane was shot down over southern Iran, leaving one crew member missing. Verified video footage has emerged showing aspects of the US military operation following the incident.
The missing airman, identified as a weapons systems officer, was aboard a US F-15 fighter jet that was brought down during the search and rescue mission.
While the pilot, who was also on board, has been successfully rescued, the fate of the second crew member remains unknown.
Iranian security forces have since launched a search across the Southern Iran where the aircraft crashed.
According to state media, authorities are urging citizens to assist in locating the missing airman “alive,” with rewards reportedly being offered for information leading to their capture.
The situation presents a highly sensitive moment for the United States, carrying both military and political implications.
Analysts warn that the incident could be leveraged by Iran as a propaganda opportunity amid already heightened tensions.
In a further escalation, Iran claims it has shot down a second US aircraft over the Gulf.
Reports from US media indicate that an A-10 Warthog came under fire while conducting a search-and-rescue mission for the downed F-15.
The pilot of the A-10 is said to have ejected over the Gulf and has also been rescued.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise. Israel has announced a fresh wave of strikes targeting what it described as key infrastructure in Tehran.
In response, Iranian missile fire toward Israel was intercepted, though emergency services reported that one person sustained injuries from shrapnel during the attack.
