A US fighter jet was shot down over Iranian airspace early Wednesday, with one pilot successfully rescued and a search operation underway for a second crew member, according to Pentagon officials and regional media reports.
The incident marks the first known downing of a US military aircraft by Iranian forces since 2019, when Tehran shot down an American surveillance drone. US Central Command confirmed the aircraft was an F-35 Lightning II operating from a carrier in the Persian Gulf, but declined to specify the mission profile.
“We can confirm one pilot has been recovered and is receiving medical evaluation,” said a Defense Department spokesperson speaking on condition of anonymity. “Search efforts continue for the second aircrew member with all available assets.”
Analysts note the shootdown comes amid heightened tensions following recent US airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. “This represents a dangerous escalation in what was already a volatile situation,” said Middle East security analyst Farhad Rezaei via phone from Ankara. “Both sides have shown restraint in recent years, but the threshold for direct conflict appears to be lowering.”
Iranian state media reported the aircraft violated its airspace near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a claim US officials neither confirmed nor denied. The incident raises questions about potential retaliatory measures and whether it could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations involving both nations.