Iranian TV broadcast images of wreckage from a US fighter jet that was shot down, while the US confirmed the safe rescue of the last missing pilot.
On 6 April 2026, Iranian television released images and video clips of wreckage from a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that was shot down, along with two helicopters involved in the rescue operation. However, this information from Iran has not yet been confirmed by the US side.
Meanwhile, regional intelligence officials familiar with the mission told the Associated Press that at least two US transport planes were destroyed by the US military itself due to technical malfunctions, requiring additional aircraft to be dispatched for the rescue operation.
Earlier, President Donald Trump stated on social media that the rescued military personnel were injured but safe, confirming that the rescue operation involved numerous aircraft and that the pilots' locations were tracked in advance.
Reports indicate that the rescue mission took place after the US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed in Iran on 4 April. The US successfully rescued both crew members, while Iran had previously offered a reward for anyone who found the opposing pilots.
Source: AFP