Search for pilot of downed U.S. fighter jet enters second day
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The search for the second pilot of a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran continues, with Iranian officials denying reports that the pilot has been detained; one pilot was rescued by U.S. forces.
- The downing of the American fighter jet marks the first U.S. combat aircraft loss in decades and challenges U.S. claims of having neutralized Iran's missile capabilities.
- Iranian forces also shot down a U.S. A-10 Thunderbolt during the rescue mission, which crashed in Kuwaiti airspace after the pilot ejected safely; other U.S. helicopters were hit but without casualties.
- President Trump has not publicly detailed the rescue operation but warned Iran of a looming deadline to meet U.S. demands or face severe consequences, referencing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran asserts possession of advanced air defense systems and vows to achieve full control of its skies, while the war between U.S./Israel and Iran enters its 36th day with significant casualties and no direct negotiations underway.
