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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Sam Mednick,Konstantin Toropin and Seung Min Kim

Iran says strike hit close to its Bushehr nuclear facility as guard killed

A bridge struck by U.S. airstrikes on Thursday is seen in the town of Karaj, west of Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The US military is engaged in a desperate search for a missing pilot after an American warplane was shot down by Iran, which has now offered a reward for the pilot's capture. The incident marks a significant escalation in the six-week-old conflict, with Tehran calling on its citizens to turn in the airman.

The aircraft, identified by Iran as a US F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two targeted on Friday. While one service member was rescued, at least one remains unaccounted for. This represents the first time the United States has lost an aircraft in Iranian territory during the ongoing hostilities, potentially signalling a new and dangerous phase in the campaign.

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