US aircraft shot down over Iran amid escalating regional conflict

On April 3, 2026, a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iranian airspace using a new anti-aircraft system. While one crew member was rescued by US special forces, the second remains missing, with Iranian authorities offering a $60,000 reward for their capture. Reports also mention the loss of other aircraft, including an A-10 Thunderbolt in Kuwait and potential damage to search-and-rescue helicopters. Simultaneously, explosions were reported at petrochemical facilities in Mahshahr, Khuzestan province, which Iranian officials attributed to US-Israeli air strikes. US President Donald Trump stated that the incident would not derail negotiations for ending the conflict. Tension remains high as search efforts continue in the rugged terrain of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces. Conflicting reports exist regarding the total number of aircraft involved and the precise casualty count in the petrochemical zones.