A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, marking the first confirmed loss of an American manned combat aircraft since the outbreak of direct hostilities between the United States and Iran in late February 2026, U.S. officials and multiple news outlets reported.
The incident, confirmed by U.S. sources to CNN and CBS News, triggered an immediate combat search-and-rescue operation for the jet's two crew members. Iranian state media claimed responsibility, releasing photos of wreckage that analysts identified as consistent with an F-15E rather than the F-35 initially touted by Tehran. One crew member has reportedly been rescued, while efforts continue for the second, according to CBS News citing U.S. officials.
