Middle East Eye

US aircraft search for pilots after fighter jet shot down in Iran

Footage circulating online appears to show US planes and helicopters searching for pilots after a US F‑15E fighter jet was shot down over Khuzestan province in central Iran. Videos show low‑flying aircraft and rescue helicopters in the area, with some unconfirmed clips seemingly showing aircraft being fired on. The two‑seat jet carried a pilot and a weapons systems officer. One crew member has reportedly been recovered by US forces, while the other remains missing, according to US media. The exact circumstances of the downing are unconfirmed. Khuzestan province is a key hub for Iran’s oil, gas and steel production, which has been heavily bombed, disrupting industrial output and threatening the country’s economy and export revenue. Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye