The U.S. is conducting an intensive search and rescue operation after Iran shot down an F‑15E fighter jet on Friday. One member of the F‑15 crew was rescued, but the other airman remains missing. The search has continued through the night and into a second day.
An A‑10 Warthog involved in the rescue effort was also hit; that pilot ejected safely over the Persian Gulf. Helicopters that recovered the rescued pilot came under ground fire, and a Black Hawk that picked up the airman was struck by gunfire, injuring people aboard. Fragments of the F‑15, including what appeared to be an ejection seat, were posted on Iranian social media.
Iranian state television reportedly offered a reward for anyone who turns over an American service member alive, and Tehran has publicly celebrated downing U.S. aircraft. U.S. and Israeli forces have continued strikes in the region, and Iran says some of its infrastructure has been hit; the Iranian government reported damage at locations including a bridge and a sports complex in Tehran.
U.S. officials say they are racing to locate the missing crewman and have not provided further details on the outcome of rescue efforts. President Biden said the incident will not affect any negotiations with Iran. At this stage, military and intelligence agencies remain engaged in recovery and operational responses while monitoring regional developments.