One US aircrew member rescued after fighter jet F35 downed in Iran; Tehran gives “treasured prize” for pilot
A US fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran on Friday, with search-and-rescue operations underway for the crew, based on a number of media experiences citing officers.
An area Iranian state tv channel first claimed {that a} US fighter pilot had ejected from an plane over southwestern Iran, the Related Press reported. Shortly afterwards, a US official confirmed to Reuters {that a} fighter jet had been downed and {that a} search-and-rescue mission had been launched for any survivors.
One of many American aircrew members has been rescued alive, the Instances of Israel reported, quoting an Israeli official. Efforts are ongoing to find the second crew member.
The US official, talking on situation of anonymity, didn’t present additional particulars. The Pentagon and US Central Command didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
In response to the Related Press, the Iranian state TV anchor urged civilians to seize the pilot or pilots. “In case you seize the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you’ll obtain a treasured prize,” the anchor introduced.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB urged individuals in Iran to seize US pilot or pilots and hand them over alive to army forces in alternate for a reward, following unconfirmed experiences of a US fighter jet crash in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. pic.twitter.com/wzn6024lOI
— Iran Worldwide English (@IranIntl_En) April 3, 2026
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB additionally reportedly urged individuals to seize US pilots and hand them over to army forces in alternate for a reward, following unconfirmed experiences of a US fighter jet crash in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
An on-screen crawl on Iranian tv individually urged the general public to “shoot them in the event you see them,” referring to social media footage circulating of what gave the impression to be US plane within the space. No additional particulars have been offered.
Who was on the lookout for this? Seems the ‘invisible’ seat wasn’t so invisible in any case.
In fact, for safety causes, the destiny of the pilot can’t be revealed… however isn’t it apparent?#F35#IRAN#Warfare https://t.co/bEW5qqCyip pic.twitter.com/TLpefhxLbv
— Consulate Normal of the I.R. Iran in mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 3, 2026
Iranian media additionally reported that helicopters and a C-130 plane have been noticed within the space, suggesting a attainable search-and-rescue operation, although this might not be independently confirmed.
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This was the primary time for the reason that begin of the continuing battle {that a} US fighter jet has been downed by enemy hearth, Axios reported.
Conflicting directions broadcast to public
The tv channel in Iran’s Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province initially urged viewers who see People to “shoot them as quickly as you see them.” Later, the message modified, citing a police assertion asking the general public at hand over any downed American pilots alive to safety companies to “obtain a treasured prize.”
The anchor additionally known as on residents to cooperate with authorities in finding the pilots. The province lies about 500 kilometres southwest of Tehran, with Yasuj as its capital, and is basically rural and mountainous, with a inhabitants of round 600,000. Iranian media additionally aired footage exhibiting metallic particles in a pickup truck and shared photos of what gave the impression to be American plane flying over the realm.
Explosion reported in Tehran
Across the similar time Friday afternoon, a significant explosion from an airstrike struck Iran’s capital, Tehran. It was not instantly clear what had been hit. Earlier within the day, Iranian missiles reportedly set a refinery ablaze and broken a desalination plant in Kuwait.
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UAE missile particles injures 12 individuals
Shrapnel from a missile interception in Abu Dhabi’s Ajban space injured at the least 12 individuals, officers mentioned. Seven of these damage have been from Nepal, and 5 have been Indian nationals. Church buildings within the UAE additionally introduced closure for Easter Sunday following authorities orders amid the continuing battle.
Israel plans new positions in Lebanon
Israel’s army mentioned it might set up new defensive traces inside Lebanon to stop direct hearth on northern communities. Military spokesman Nadav Shoshani mentioned Israel goals to manage areas posing an “imminent menace” and claimed that at the least 1,000 Hezbollah militants have been killed for the reason that operation started.
French-linked ship passes Strait of Hormuz
The CMA CGM Kribi, crusing below a Malta flag and operated by French transport big CMA CGM, grew to become presumably the primary France-linked vessel to move by means of the Strait of Hormuz since Iran successfully closed it. Information from MarineTraffic confirmed the ship departing waters off Dubai and arriving close to Muscat, Oman.
Visitors by means of the strait has dropped by about 90% for the reason that battle started, with roughly 150 vessels transiting since March 1, largely linked to Iran, China, India and Pakistan.
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Civilian casualties concentrated close to army websites
Civilian casualties in Iran have largely occurred close to government-linked or army websites relatively than indiscriminate city bombardment, based on Armed Battle Location and Occasion Information (ACLED). Iran reported at the least 1,973 deaths for the reason that begin of the conflict. The deadliest assault occurred on Feb. 28 close to a Revolutionary Guard base, killing over 160 civilians, most of them youngsters.
Kuwait refinery and desalination plant hit
Iranian drones struck Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, sparking fires. Kuwait additionally reported injury to a desalination plant, a important infrastructure supply, as round 90% of its consuming water comes from desalination.
Amnesty alleges baby recruitment in Iran
Amnesty Worldwide warned Iran over experiences that youngsters as younger as 12 have been being recruited into the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij drive. The organisation mentioned deploying baby troopers at checkpoints and patrols places them at severe threat of dying or damage.
(With inputs from AP)
