US fighter jet downed over Iran, search for pilots underway—official

A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran, and a search and rescue operation is underway for any potential survivors, a US official told Reuters.

This marks the first known incident of its kind since the United States launched its war with Iran on February 28.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not provide further details. The Pentagon and US Central Command have not responded to requests for comment.

The situation raises significant stakes, as US pilots could potentially be on the run inside Iranian territory during an active conflict. Iranian authorities have called on civilians to be vigilant and report any sightings of the downed crew.

The governor of Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province told the semi-official ISNA news agency that anyone who captures or kills the crew “would be specially commended.”

By Vafa Guliyeva