A search and rescue operation is ongoing for a United States fighter jet reported to have gone down in southern Iran, according to multiple media reports citing US officials.

Initial reports, including from CBS News and the BBC, indicate that the aircraft may be an F-15 fighter jet, though this has not been officially confirmed. The number of crew members on board also remains unclear.

Images circulating on social media and verified by CBS show a refuelling aircraft and two helicopters flying at low altitude over Khuzestan Province, suggesting an active search and rescue mission.

Iranian state media has claimed that the aircraft was shot down by its forces, a claim yet to be independently verified.

  • Iranian media, including the Tasnim News Agency, first reported that the US was searching for the crew of a downed jet.
  • US officials, speaking anonymously to outlets such as Reuters, The New York Times and Axios, have confirmed that a search operation is underway.
  • The Wall Street Journal also reported that the US is conducting a rescue mission for the crew.
  • The exact cause of the incident or whether the aircraft was shot down.
  • The fate, number, or condition of the crew members.
  • Whether this incident is linked to earlier claims denied by US Central Command (Centcom), which had dismissed reports of a downed jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that US aircraft and drones are involved in the search operation. Iranian state television has also reportedly announced rewards for information leading to the capture of the pilot.

In a separate development, the IRGC accused Israel of targeting a water desalination facility and power plant in Kuwait—an allegation denied by the Israeli military, which said it was “not aware” of any such attack.

Iranian officials have warned of what they describe as efforts by the US and Israel to destabilise the region, urging neighbouring countries to remain vigilant.

The situation remains fluid, with key details yet to be confirmed as authorities continue search and rescue efforts and seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the reported crash.