US pilot rescued from downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran, search for second crew member ongoing

One of the pilots who flew an F-15 fighter jet in Iran has been rescued, a well-placed source told Fox News. 

A search is still ongoing for the second crew member, the source said. 

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, which marks the first known loss of U.S. aircraft in Iran since the conflict known as Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state media claimed to have shot down a U.S. fighter jet over central Iran, specifically in the mountainous Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.

Initial Iranian reports claimed the aircraft was an F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. However, subsequent photos of wreckage released by Iranian media suggest the aircraft may be an F-15E Strike Eagle, likely from the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath.

The Trump administration has notified congressional leaders about the incident, two sources confirmed to Fox.

It’s not immediately clear why the jet went down. Central Command, the theater responsible for operations in the Middle East, is expected to issue a statement soon.

Local footage appears to show HC-130s and HH-60 Black Hawks flying low over Iranian territory, suggesting a search for those on board. 

Iranian state media released images purporting to show the damaged jet, including an ejector seat. Fox News has not verified their authenticity.

U.S. officials for weeks have insisted the U.S. and Israel have “complete control over Iranian skies,” and recently sent the slower, non-stealthy B-52 bombers into Iran, underscoring how confident they were that Iranian airpower had been nearly eliminated. 

“We are in this military operation … for 32 days,” Trump said in an address Wednesday. “And the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat.”

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“They have no anti-aircraft equipment,” Trump said. “Their radar is 100% annihilated. We are unstoppable.” 

Aviation experts say the aircraft seen in the circulating footage appears consistent with an F-15 based on several distinctive features, including its twin vertical tails, wide fuselage, and dual-engine configuration. The F-15s widely spaced engine intakes and rectangular air inlets are also key identifiers that distinguish it from other U.S. fighter jets.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.