Iran Calls on Civilians to Locate Crew of Allegedly Downed U.S. Fighter Jet Amid Escalating Conflict

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have urged civilians in the country’s mountainous southwest to assist in locating the crew of a reportedly downed United States fighter jet, marking a potentially significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israel coalition.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, military forces have launched a search operation after the aircraft was allegedly shot down earlier on Friday. Local state television in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province aired footage said to show the wreckage of twisted metal debris loaded onto a truck, though independent verification remains unavailable.

In an unusual public appeal, provincial authorities called on nomadic communities and villagers to assist in capturing the pilot or crew members.

“If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the authorities, you will receive a valuable reward,” a message broadcast on local television stated.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has not issued an official response to the claims, and details surrounding the incident remain unclear. Reports have varied on the type of aircraft involved, with some sources suggesting an F-35 stealth fighter while others refer to an F-15E strike aircraft.

However, several international media outlets, citing U.S. and Israeli officials, indicated that a jet may indeed have been lost, with search-and-rescue operations reportedly underway. If confirmed, this would represent the first known instance of a U.S. fighter jet being downed داخل Iranian territory since hostilities intensified in late February.

Military analysts note that pilots operating over hostile territory are trained for survival and evasion in the event of ejection. Standard combat gear includes a GPS-enabled distress beacon, secure communication systems, emergency rations, medical supplies, and a sidearm. Protocols typically require pilots to conceal themselves while signaling allied rescue teams using encrypted methods.

The incident follows earlier Iranian claims of targeting U.S. aircraft, including footage released last week that allegedly showed a missile engaging a U.S. Navy F/A-18 near Chabahar. That aircraft, however, appeared to escape without visible damage.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains fluid, with both sides yet to provide full clarity on the latest developments. Observers warn that confirmation of such an incident could further intensify the already volatile regional conflict.