A US F-15 fighter jet crash in Iran has triggered a major military crisis after the aircraft was shot down over southern Iran, prompting a high-risk US military search and rescue operation for its two crew members.

US President Donald Trump later announced that both personnel aboard the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet had been successfully rescued, though Iranian forces have claimed that another US aircraft involved in the operation was also shot down, escalating tensions further.

US F-15 Crash Sparks High-Risk Combat Rescue Mission in Iran

The incident began when the US F-15 fighter jet was reportedly downed over southern Iran during an operational mission. Iranian state-linked media claimed the aircraft was struck by air defense systems, although the exact crash location remains disputed, with reports pointing to either Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad or Khuzestan provinces.

Following the crash, US forces launched an immediate combat search and rescue (CSAR) operation, deploying multiple helicopters, including Black Hawks, along with strike aircraft and elite special operations units to recover the crew.

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Trump Confirms Rescue of Both US Crew Members

Initially, one US officer was confirmed rescued, while the second—identified as the weapons systems officer—remained missing. President Donald Trump later confirmed via social media that the second crew member had also been recovered safely.

Trump praised the mission as one of the most dangerous and successful US military rescue operations in recent history, stating that both airmen are now safe.

He added that the operation involved dozens of advanced military aircraft and was carried out under his direction.

Iran Claims Second US Aircraft Downed During Rescue Mission

While US officials celebrated the recovery, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that another US aircraft involved in the rescue operation was also shot down in Isfahan province.

Local reports further suggested that nomadic groups in mountainous regions may have fired at rescue helicopters during the chaotic operation, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of the mission.

Intense Search Conditions and Ongoing Military Operation

Military experts described the rescue mission as one of the most dangerous combat recovery operations in modern warfare, citing hostile terrain, reported ground fire, and active air defense threats.

The F-15E Strike Eagle, designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, carries a pilot and a weapons systems officer, whose role is crucial in managing targeting systems during missions in hostile environments.

US military officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the search and verification process continues in southern Iran’s difficult mountainous regions.

Reports also indicate that Iranian authorities may have offered incentives to locals for information regarding missing personnel, further increasing risks for ongoing recovery efforts.

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Trump Praises US Forces, Vows No Soldier Will Be Left Behind

President Trump emphasized the success of the rescue mission, praising the professionalism of US forces and reaffirming a longstanding military principle:

“We will never leave an American warfighter behind,” he stated, calling the operation a historic achievement.