United States military personnel rescued in Iran following F-15 downing

On April 3, 2026, an American F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian anti-aircraft defenses over the Isfahan province, forcing its two-member crew to eject. The U.S. military launched a search and rescue operation, with the pilot being recovered hours after the incident despite an Iranian strike on a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter. The second crew member remained missing for over 36 hours while Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces searched the region. U.S. special operations forces conducted a high-stakes mission on Saturday to retrieve the remaining crew member, supported by airstrikes against approaching Iranian units. President Donald Trump confirmed the successful recovery of both crew members, declaring the individual safe and healthy. While U.S. officials maintain the crew was successfully rescued, Iranian state media claimed the downing of an additional U.S. aircraft during the search operation, a claim not confirmed by Washington. Tensions in the region have escalated significantly following these events.