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Iran launches search for crew of downed US fighter jet

Iranian forces say they are searching for the crew of a US fighter jet that state media reported was shot down over southwestern Iran, with footage of wreckage aired and officials urging civilians to report survivors.

Apr 3rd 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • Iranian military launched a search operation after state media said an air defence system hit a US fighter jet over southwestern Iran.
  • Reuters cited two US officials confirming the jet was shot down and that a search and rescue operation was underway.
  • Local television aired footage of wreckage and Iranian agencies urged civilians to look for survivors.
  • The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone capturing the crew would be specially commended.
  • The incident occurred amid expanding US, Israeli and Iranian strikes and recent blasts in Tehran and the Gulf region.

Sources