Media say army searching for pilot of US fighter jet allegedly downed over Iran

Media Say Army Searching for Pilot of US Fighter Jet Allegedly Downed Over Iran

On Friday, Iranian media reported that a U.S. fighter pilot had safely parachuted after a reported downing in southwest Iran, prompting calls for local assistance. The channel, based in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, described the area as a remote and rugged terrain spanning over 15,500 square kilometers. Earlier, a text overlay on the broadcast encouraged viewers to ‘shoot them if you see them,’ referencing circulating footage of what seemed to be U.S. aircraft in the vicinity.

Residents are asked to turn in any ‘enemy pilot’ to authorities, with a reward offered for such acts,” the anchor stated. Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars news agency confirmed that military forces were conducting a search for the pilot, stating, “Military forces have launched a search operation to find the American fighter pilot who was hit earlier today.”

The U.S. Central Command, Pentagon, and White House did not immediately comment on the reports. This marks the first time a U.S. fighter jet has been reported downed in Iranian territory since the conflict with the Islamic Republic began on 28 February. The war, now in its sixth week, is causing global economic instability as Iran retaliates by attacking Gulf energy infrastructure and controlling oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to intensify strikes on Iran ‘very hard’ over the next two to three weeks, according to statements released by his administration.