CNN: U.S. F-15 Shot Down Over Iran, Search And Rescue Mission Underway
According to Jim Sciutto of CNN, multiple U.S. government sources have confirmed Iranian state media claims that a search-and-rescue operation is underway for two American pilots after a U.S. aircraft went down in southwestern Iran.
“It is our understanding that this is a U.S. fighter jet — not Israeli — and I don’t have to say how significant it is to have U.S. pilots down on enemy territory during wartime. This would certainly be the first time in this war, I think you’d have to go back to Yugoslavia in the 1990s for a previous incident of this,” Sciutto said.
The downed aircraft is believed to be an F-15 fighter jet, a twin-seat fighter, based on images and video circulated by Iranian state outlets. Reports suggest debris and at least one ejection seat have been recovered.
“It’s the first time since the beginning of the war that a U.S. jet was downed by enemy fire. The sources said the aircraft had a two-person crew,” Sciutto added.
In a chilling move, Iranian state television reportedly urged civilians in the المنطقة to search for the missing American pilots—offering government rewards for their capture or recovery, according to Axios.
Rubio: Strike Aimed to End Iran’s Nuclear Threat “For Good”
As tensions escalate, Marco Rubio defended recent U.S. military action against Iran, framing it as a decisive step to eliminate a growing nuclear threat.
“This was the final, best chance to wipe out Iran’s threat for good — so they can never have a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said in a video posted to X.
Rubio emphasized that while Iran could pursue civilian nuclear energy, its covert behavior has long raised red flags.
“They build their reactors and their facilities deep in mountains away from the public glare,” Rubio said. “The same equipment that they could use to enrich material for energy they could use to quickly enrich it to weapons-grade.”
He warned that Tehran had been advancing toward a dangerous threshold—developing missile and drone capabilities that could protect its nuclear infrastructure and potentially threaten far beyond the region.
“Very Close” to Victory, But Risks Remain
In an interview on Hannity with Sean Hannity, Rubio signaled cautious optimism while maintaining a hardline stance.
“There is the potential for a direct meeting at some point,” Rubio said. “But what President Trump is not going to allow is fake negotiations to be used as a delay tactic.”
Rubio added that U.S. operations have significantly weakened Iran’s strategic position.
“This is the weakest Iran has been in 25 years,” Rubio said. “This is the weakest Iran has ever been.”
He also issued a stark warning about Iran’s long-term ambitions, comparing them to those of North Korea.
“That’s what they were aiming to do,” Rubio said. “They were aiming to become the next North Korea.”
A Dangerous Turning Point
If confirmed, the downing of a U.S. fighter jet—and the presence of American pilots behind enemy lines—could mark a pivotal moment in the conflict. The situation introduces new urgency for both military planners and diplomatic channels, as the risk of escalation grows.
For President Donald J. Trump’s administration, the incident underscores both the high stakes of confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the unpredictable consequences of direct engagement with a hostile regime.