Iranian military forces launched an intensive search Saturday for a missing American pilot following the downing of two U.S. military aircraft over Iran and Gulf waters, according to officials from both nations, while rescue teams successfully recovered two other airmen.
The aircraft losses highlight ongoing dangers for American and Israeli pilots operating in Iranian airspace during the sixth week of the current conflict, contradicting previous statements from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming complete U.S. air dominance.
The possibility of an American service member evading capture on Iranian soil significantly raises the political stakes for Washington in a war that lacks strong domestic support and shows no clear path to resolution.
Iranian forces successfully shot down a twin-seat F-15E Strike Eagle, confirmed by officials in both countries, while a separate A-10 Warthog attack aircraft crashed in Kuwait after sustaining Iranian fire damage, forcing the pilot to eject, two U.S. officials reported.
During search and rescue operations for the missing pilot, two American Black Hawk helicopters came under Iranian attack but successfully escaped Iranian airspace, the U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters. The extent of crew injuries aboard the helicopters remains unknown.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it was conducting sweeps through southwestern regions near the crash site, while the local provincial governor offered rewards for anyone who captures or eliminates “forces of the hostile enemy.”
Iranian civilians, who have endured weeks of American bombing campaigns since the February 28 launch of U.S.-Israeli operations, celebrated the aircraft shootdowns. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf posted on social media that the conflict had been “downgraded from regime change” to hunting for downed pilots.
A senior administration official confirmed that Trump has remained at the White House receiving regular briefings on the rescue mission. The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command have not yet responded to media inquiries about the incidents.
Pakistan-mediated ceasefire negotiations appear to have stalled, with Iran informing intermediaries it will not participate in planned meetings with U.S. representatives in Islamabad, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, triggered a global energy crisis, and threatens long-term economic damage worldwide since the initial attacks that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
U.S. Central Command reports 13 American military deaths and over 300 wounded personnel since fighting began.
Iran continues launching drone and missile strikes against Israel while targeting Gulf nations allied with the United States, though these countries have avoided direct military involvement to prevent further escalation.
Dubai authorities reported Saturday that debris from aerial defense operations struck two building facades in the emirate, though no casualties occurred.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut issued a security warning Friday stating that Iran and allied militant groups may target Lebanese universities, advising American citizens to depart while commercial flights remain available.
Israel maintains a separate military campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon after the group launched attacks supporting Iran. Israeli military officials announced early Saturday strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure positions in Beirut.
Following Trump’s threats against Iranian infrastructure, Iran retaliated Friday by attacking a Kuwaiti power and water facility, demonstrating the vulnerability of Gulf states dependent on desalination for their water supply.
Thursday saw Trump share images of destruction from U.S. strikes on the B1 bridge connecting Tehran and Karaj, scheduled to open this year, while promising additional attacks.
“Our Military, the greatest and most powerful (by far!) anywhere in the World, hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” he wrote.
A drone strike Friday damaged a Red Crescent humanitarian warehouse in Iran’s Bushehr province Choghadak region.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation confirmed drone attacks on its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, while additional strikes were reportedly intercepted in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Missile fragments landed near Israel’s Haifa port, home to a significant oil refinery.
Oil markets closed after benchmark U.S. crude prices surged 11% Thursday following Trump’s speech that provided no indication of an imminent war conclusion.
