Multiple media outlets from both Iran and the United States report that a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down in southern Iran. Local authorities have ordered a search and capture operation for the pilot of the downed aircraft already arranged.
Iran's Fars News Agency reported on Friday, 3 Apr 2026 GMT+7, that a US fighter jet was shot down by air defense systems in southern Iran earlier that morning. The military has now begun operations to locate the pilot of the aircraft.
Several major US media outlets also reported on the incident, with The New York Times citing statements from US and Israeli officials confirming that Iran did shoot down the fighter jet.
Meanwhile, US-based CBS News reported, citing two anonymous sources, that a search and rescue operation is underway for the US F-15 fighter jet shot down in southern Iran. It remains unclear how many pilots were aboard and their current status.
CBS News also cited online images showing one refueling aircraft and two helicopters flying low over Khuzestan province, consistent with search and rescue mission activity.
The governors of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad provinces in southern Iran stated that capturing the American pilot alive is their highest priority at this time.
“Those who successfully capture or kill hostile enemy forces will be specially honored by the governor’s office,” they added, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (ISNA), Iran’s semi-official news source.
Meanwhile, various Iranian media report that local merchants in the province have offered a bounty of 10 billion tomans (about 2.1 million baht) for anyone who locates the "invading" American pilot.
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