Iran’s state media reported on Friday, April 3, that a United States fighter jet was shot down over the country by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The agency released photos it said show the wreckage of the aircraft. Meanwhile, according to The New York Times, the fate of the pilot remains unknown.
An unnamed US official, who confirmed the news to Reuters, disclosed that American forces are attempting a search-and-rescue operation, but the mission faces serious risks given Iran’s military capabilities. From breaking news to viral moments.
US Central Command, however, maintained that task forces in nearby Iraq and Syria are ready to respond if American aircraft are downed. L
Officials further cautioned that rescue efforts could be complicated, especially if helicopters are used, as Iran has shown it can strike slow-moving aircraft. The incident comes on the same day as a US airstrike on a highway bridge near Tehran, which Iranian media said killed eight people and injured 95. Former President Donald Trump, who celebrated the attack, warned on social media that “much more [was] to follow.”
Iran has reportedly assembled over one million fighters, combining trained military personnel and civilian volunteers, amid rising fears of a possible ground war with the United States and Israel. As reported by Legit.ng, recruitment surged at Basij, IRGC, and army centres, with young Iranians stepping forward.
Tehran reinforced defences on strategic Kharg Island with additional troops and air defence systems. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of “relentless attacks” against any aggressor and confirmed that Iranian forces are closely monitoring US troop movements in the region.
