A US F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over southwestern Iran at approximately 06:45 ET (11:45 BST), likely in or near Khuzestan Province, marking the first known loss of a US combat aircraft to enemy action in Iranian territory during the ongoing conflict. One of the two crew members has been rescued by US forces using two helicopters, while the search continues for the second. During the rescue operation, an A-10 Warthog aircraft supporting the mission was hit, forcing its pilot to eject over the Persian Gulf; the pilot was later recovered. A helicopter involved in the initial rescue was also struck by small arms fire, injuring crew members on board, though it landed safely and the injured are receiving treatment. Iranian state media claimed responsibility for downing the F-15E and offered rewards for the capture of any "enemy pilots." The involvement of the A-10 and helicopters in contested airspace underscores the dangers of the recovery effort. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Donald Trump had been briefed on the initial incident, though no update has been given on the subsequent attacks on rescue assets.
That an A-10 pilot had to eject over the Persian Gulf reveals how deeply US forces were operating in hostile range, far from safe extraction zones. The fact that rescue aircraft were hit suggests Iranian ground threats remain potent despite claims of degraded defenses. This escalation exposes the fragility of air superiority when facing dispersed, low-tech but effective fire. For all the show of capability, one missing aviator and multiple wounded mean this operation is far from a clean win.
