WASHINGTON (TNND) — One of the two U.S. pilots shot down over Iran has been rescued by U.S. special forces after U.S. officials said a search and rescue mission was underway.
The pilot was reportedly found alive and receiving medical treatment in U.S. custody, according to CNN.
U.S. officials have confirmed to CBS that Iranian forces are responsible for shooting down the F-15E fighter jet. This is the first time a manned American aircraft has been shot down by Iran since the start of the war with Iran.
A U.S. Black Hawk helicopter was also struck during the ongoing rescue operation for the second crew member, but was able to exit Iranian territory and land safely, according to Newsmax.
All crew members are reportedly safe and accounted for.
According to the New York Times, in addition to the F-15 shot down, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog went down near the Straight of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf region around the same time the F-15 was downed. No cause for the crash was given.
The A-10C’s pilot was safely rescued and is receiving medical attention in a Gulf Nation, the outlet reports, citing two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Israel cancelled planned strikes in Iran to not interfere with the search, Axios reports. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN that President Trump has been briefed on the situation.
As the search continues for the second F-15 pilot, Trump shared a message on Truth Social just after 3 p.m. EST, writing, “KEEP THE OIL, ANYONE?”
In a separate post early Friday morning, Trump wrote, “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A “GUSHER” FOR THE WORLD???”
This all comes after Iranian state television said that U.S. fighter pilots ejected from an aircraft over southwestern Iran.
The claim was broadcast on Friday by a local state-run channel in Iran, which said the pilots had parachuted from a U.S. military jet. No additional details were provided about the incident.
During the broadcast, the station urged viewers to locate the pilots, promising a reward for anyone who does.
If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize.
A message displayed on-screen also urged citizens to “shoot them if you see them,” referencing videos circulating online that appear to show aircraft activity in the area.
Photos and videos being posted across social media suggest multiple U.S. aircraft are flying over Iran in a possible effort to locate the downed jet and recover the pilot who ejected.
U.S. Central Command, posted to X “fact checking” a different claim on Thursday, saying that all U.S. military aircraft were accounted for after Iran claimed it shot down a U.S. F-35 jet.
“CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it downed an “enemy” fighter jet over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. FACT: All U.S. fighter aircraft are accounted for. Iran’s IRGC has made the same false claim at least half a dozen times.”
Iran launched new attacks across the Middle East on Friday, hitting key energy sites in Kuwait and raising tensions as the war enters its fifth week.
Officials say Iranian strikes damaged a desalination plant and set part of a major oil refinery on fire. Iran had denied the claim, instead blaming Israel.
The IRGC has strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s army attack on Kuwait’s water desalination centers, describing it as a criminal aggression that threatens regional stability and civilian infrastructure,” the state-run news agency reported.
At the same time, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes inside Iran, continuing their military campaign.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” writing that “bridges” were next, “then Electric Power Plants!”
New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!” Trump wrote.
Trump said the U.S. “blew up” three Iranian bridges overnight Thursday during an interview with Time Magazine.
Despite U.S. and Israeli claims that Iran’s military has been significantly weakened, Iran continues to strike targets across the region.
Sirens sounded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones, and Israel said it intercepted incoming missiles. In the United Arab Emirates, a gas field was shut down after debris from a missile interception sparked a fire.
Iran’s attacks have been focused on energy infrastructure, including oil facilities and water plants. Desalination plants are critical in Gulf countries because they provide most of the region’s drinking water.
Kuwait is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with 47% of its water supply coming from a desalination plant.
At the same time, Iran is maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route where about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas passes. That control has had a major impact on the global economy.
Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising to around $109 per barrel, up more than 50% since the start of the conflict. Rising energy costs are also pushing up prices for everyday goods, including food.
The United States has offered Iran a 15-point plan that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, limiting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and easing sanctions in return.
Iran has pushed back with its own five-point counterproposal, including recognition of its control over the Strait, the removal of U.S. military bases from the region, and compensation for war damage.
On Friday, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif published a proposal calling for an end to the conflict. He suggested Iran could agree to limits on its nuclear program and reopen the Strait in exchange for lifting sanctions.
Prolonged hostility will cause a greater loss of lives and resources,” Zarif wrote.
Airstrikes and missile attacks are continuing in multiple areas, with strikes reported in and around Tehran and the city of Isfahan, though details remain unclear. Iranian officials said a recent U.S. strike hit a bridge under construction, killing eight people.
Officials say more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, and at least 19 people have died in Israel. Dozens have been killed across Gulf states and the West Bank, and 13 U.S. service members have died.
World leaders are trying to respond, but options remain limited. The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote on a proposal that would allow action to protect ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. However, major powers, including Russia, China, and France, have raised concerns about using force.
Meanwhile, countries like France and South Korea say they are working together to ensure safe passage for ships, though no detailed plan has been announced.
Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to the information used within this article.