Iranian air defense systems downed a US A-10 Warthog attack aircraft during intense aerial combat, with a second F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet also lost. Footage from Iranian state media captures the A-10 exploding mid-air on Friday after the pilot ejected safely. The incidents forced both pilots to parachute into hostile territory, where US forces rescued the A-10 pilot in a high-risk operation. Efforts continue to locate the missing F-15E pilot amid an urgent search-and-rescue mission across enemy lines.
Casualties Mount in Ongoing Conflict
Updated Pentagon figures show 365 US service members wounded in the war with Iran, including 247 Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines, and 36 Air Force personnel. The death toll stands at 13.
Trump Addresses Impact on Negotiations
President Donald Trump received briefings on the rescue operations from his national security team at the White House. Working from the Oval Office, he emphasized that the incidents will not derail talks with Iran. When asked by NBC News reporter Garrett Haake if the downings could halt negotiations, Trump replied: “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war, Garrett.” This marks the first US jet lost to enemy fire since the conflict began 35 days ago.
Rescue Operations Face Hostile Fire
A US Black Hawk helicopter sustained enemy fire during pilot recovery efforts but all crew members are safe. Videos on social media depict low-flying American jets over southern Iran, including an HC-130J Combat King II search aircraft, a KC-130 tanker, and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters. Iranian media released images of debris and ejection seats from the $100 million F-15E.
Iranian Calls to Capture Pilots
State media in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, a rugged mountainous area, broadcast an anchor urging residents to hunt downed US pilots and hand them over, offering rewards. Viewers received instructions to shoot at low-flying American aircraft. The A-10 crashed near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
Escalation and Regional Strikes
The downings represent a potential major escalation. Iran recently targeted Gulf energy infrastructure, striking a Kuwaiti desalination plant and oil refinery, plus a gas complex in Abu Dhabi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video: “Together with our American friends, we continue to crush the terror regime in Iran. We are eliminating commanders, bombing bridges, bombing infrastructure. In recent days, the Air Force has destroyed 70% of Iran’s steel production capacity. This is a tremendous achievement that deprives the Revolutionary Guards of both financial sources and the ability to produce a large number of weapons. In full coordination between myself and President Trump, between the IDF and the United States Army, we will continue to crush Iran. This regime is weaker than ever – Israel is stronger than ever.”
