An F-15E Strike Eagle takes off for a combat flight during Operation Epic Fury, on March 16, 2026. A search and rescue effort was underway on Friday afternoon to locate the crew of a U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iran, The New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials. (CENTCOM)
A search and rescue effort was underway on Friday afternoon to locate the crew of a U.S. fighter jet that was shot down in Iran, The New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials.
One crew member from the downed jet was rescued by American forces, two U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News. CNN reported the crew member is alive and receiving medical treatment. The White House confirmed President Donald Trump had been briefed. The search continues for the second crew member.
During the rescue mission, a U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was hit by ground fire but was able to keep flying and escaped safely, the New York Times reported.
U.S. Central Command notified the House Armed Services Committee about the incident, CBS News reported.
Iranian state media on Friday circulated photos and videos of debris from what appeared to be an F-15 fighter jet, including an ejection seat, claiming it had been shot down. Videos also appeared to show a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft and two UH-60 Black Hawks that Iranian media claimed were part of the search effort.
Axios also confirmed the news, citing a source familiar with the incident.
Iranian state media was urging residents to hand over any “enemy pilot” to police and promised a reward for anyone who did, The Associated Press reported.
A second Air Force combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf region on Friday, and the lone pilot was safely rescued, according to the New York Times, citing two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters. The A-10 Warthog went down near the Strait of Hormuz about the same time that an Air Force F-15E was shot down over Iran.
Iran has made at least six false claims about shooting down U.S. aircraft, all of which American officials have denied.
U.S. Central Command did not respond to a request for comment from Stars and Stripes.
This would be the first time Iran has successfully downed a U.S. aircraft since Operation Epic Fury began more than a month ago. The reported crash comes as President Donald Trump suggests the U.S. will wrap up its mission in two to three weeks.
Since the war began, 13 American personnel have been killed and at least 365 have been wounded, according to Defense Manpower Data Center figures.
Trump on Friday celebrated a U.S. strike on a major bridge west of Tehran, threatening more strikes against Iran’s infrastructure if a deal is not made quickly.
This report will be updated.
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