A search-and-rescue mission is underway after Iran shot down an American F-15 fighter jet. The aircraft had two crew members on board — U.S. forces rescued one, and the other is still missing. A second aircraft involved in rescue efforts took enemy fire. The pilot of that plane safely ejected and has been recovered. Iranian state media has been broadcasting video of plane fragments. President Trump is monitoring the situation from the White House with his national security team.
CBS News National Security Contributor Sam Vinograd says the incident shows the Iranian military’s capacity to shoot down an F-15 — and highlights two key points. First, Iran’s multi-layered, integrated air‑defense system, which historically has included Russian air‑defense assets, has not been decimated: it can still use radar and a range of missiles to track and engage aircraft. Second, Iran’s Air Defense Force retains command and control capabilities that enabled it to locate and shoot down the fighter jet. Those facts, Vinograd says, contradict claims that Iran’s military capabilities had been obliterated.
Vinograd also describes Iran’s public handling of the incident as part of an information‑war and propaganda effort. By broadcasting footage and emphasizing the shoot‑down, the Iranian regime is taking a “victory lap” — messaging domestically that it still can threaten U.S. forces and, internationally, asserting it retains capabilities despite weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes. If the missing airman is not recovered, Vinograd warns, that outcome could also be used in Iranian propaganda.
U.S. officials have said one crew member was rescued and another remains unaccounted for. The rescue attempt involving a second aircraft drew hostile fire; that pilot ejected and was recovered. Iranian state media posted images and video of debris. The White House convened national security advisers to monitor developments as the search-and-rescue and diplomatic responses continue.