Iran Claims Downfall of Two US Warplanes Amid Escalating Conflict

Iran’s Defense Ministry announced on Friday that its air defenses shot down two United States fighter jets in separate incidents, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. According to Iranian officials, one aircraft was downed in the country’s southwest, while the other was targeted near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters confirmed that an F-15 Strike Eagle was destroyed by Iranian air defenses early Friday. Later that day, the military claimed to have hit a US A-10 Thunderbolt II, which reportedly crashed into the Persian Gulf.

While the Pentagon has not issued a formal statement, U.S. officials—speaking on condition of anonymity—confirmed the loss of the aircraft. Reports indicate that the pilot of the A-10 was rescued and is safe.

The situation regarding the F-15 is more complex. The aircraft typically carries a two-person crew. While one crew member has been rescued by U.S. forces, the fate of the second remains unknown. Iranian state media has broadcast images of what it claims is the F-15 wreckage, including an ejection seat and a deployed parachute.

Responding to the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC News that the losses would not shift his administration's stance. "No, not at all. This is war. We are at war," Trump stated when asked if the downing would affect potential talks with Tehran.

In Tehran, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf used the incident to mock the U.S. administration. In a social media post, Ghalibaf ridiculed President Trump’s previous claims of military dominance, suggesting that U.S. objectives have shifted from "regime change" to searching for missing pilots.

At the time of publication, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not provided further details on the condition of the missing airman or the specific cause of the crashes.