The war in West Asia reached a new dangerous level on Friday, April 3, 2026, as Iranian defense forces shot down two U.S. military aircraft over the course of the weekend. The two U.S. fighter jets were F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) aircraft and were the first American crewed aircraft to be destroyed in attacks by the enemy since the war started five weeks ago.
An F-15E Strike Eagle was reported to have been shot down by Iranian air defense forces on the ground in central Iran. The two crew members were ejected, US officials said. One service member was rescued by American special operations forces but a desperate search and rescue (CSAR) effort is ongoing to search for the second crew member.
A few hours later, Iranian state media and U.S. officials confirmed the loss of an A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz. The pilot of the A-10 was able to fly off the plane to Kuwaiti airspace on the way and was recovered by friendly soldiers, one of the two military officials said. The airplane crashed into the Persian Gulf.
The losses contrast with recent claims made by the Trump administration days ago that Iran's air defenses had been “100 percent annihilated” by Operation Epic Fury. And they indicate that even after weeks of heavy bombardment of Iran with Operation Epic Fury that Iran still has potent anti-aircraft capability.
“No, not at all. No, it’s war,” President Trump said when it came to the talks. He didn’t say specifically how the rescue was going but that the US military is “unstoppable.” The search for the missing F-15E crew member has become the most dangerous moment of the war for US troops. MC-130J refueling tankers and MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are seen flying at very low altitudes deep within Iranian territory supported by F-35 stealth fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones.
For one of the rescue teams, at least two US helicopters were reportedly struck by ground fire, but no American troops were injured at all. The escalation has immediately impacted global markets as the Strait of Hormuz the world's most vital oil artery is paralyzed by the conflict. Iranian state television has even called for local residents to “target” any downed American personnel even as the military urged citizens not to hurt prisoners.
