US F-15E Shot Down Over Iran, One Crew Member Missing as Trump Says 'It's War'
Key Takeaways
- Two U.S. jets shot down; one crew member missing, another rescued.
- Iran claims downing two jets; search for the missing pilot continues.
- Trump says the U.S. is at war and talks with Iran will proceed.
F-15E Downed, One Sailor Missing
Iranian forces shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter over Iran.
One crew member was rescued while the navigator remained missing.
Iran offered a $66,000 reward for capture of the missing crew member.
Trump said the downing will not affect talks but added, 'No, it's war.'
Search Operations in Hazardous Terrain
Search efforts focused on Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in the Zagros Mountains.
The region contains 35% of Iran's oil and gas reserves.
Local tribal populations have responded, presenting a challenge no foreign force can easily match.
Both US and Iranian forces were conducting simultaneous search operations.
A-10 Hit, Rescue Mission Under Fire
An A-10 Thunderbolt was hit and crashed in Kuwait after the pilot safely ejected.
Two Blackhawk helicopters were struck during recovery operations.
The Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed, dwarfed by at least 201 Iranian dead.
The conflict began with secret Iranian-initiated strikes that went unreported for weeks.
Trump Demands Unconditional Surrender
Trump issued a 60-hour ultimatum demanding unconditional surrender.
Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on war authority.
The International Red Cross called for a ceasefire.
The war rapidly shifted into a merciless campaign of annihilation.
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