INTERNATIONAL — April 4, 2026
US Officials Confirm Downing of Two Fighter Jets in Persian Gulf Region
US and Iranian officials confirmed Iranian forces downed an F-15E over Iran and an A-10 Warthog that crashed over Kuwait, with two pilots rescued and one missing amid searches. Two US Blackhawk helicopters were hit during rescue efforts but exited the airspace.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Amu TV — 2 min read
US and Iranian officials have confirmed that Iranian forces shot down two US fighter jets amid heightened regional tensions. An F-15E was downed over Iran, while an A-10 Warthog was hit by fire and crashed over Kuwait.
Two pilots were rescued, but one pilot from the F-15E remains missing. Iranian forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are conducting searches in southwestern Iran. The governor there has offered rewards for information on the missing pilot.
Two US Blackhawk helicopters came under Iranian fire during the search operations but managed to exit the airspace. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated on X that the US and Israeli war has been reduced to "hunting pilots."
A senior US official said President Trump is receiving updates at the White House. The incidents highlight ongoing risks to US and Israeli aircraft in the area, despite claims of air superiority by US leaders.
Read the original reporting at Amu TV →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct, on-record attributions from named Iranian officials (IRGC, governor, Qalibaf on X) and US officials (to Reuters), with concrete details including specific aircraft models (F-15E, A-10), locations (Iran, Persian Gulf, Kuwait, southwestern Iran), pilot statuses, and helicopter involvement, confirming the core event of jets being downed.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Amu TV: 'celebratory messages rejoicing in the plane crashes' (emotional framing of Iranian public reaction); 'low public support' (negative judgment on US domestic backing for the conflict); 'no sign of an imminent end' (pessimistic speculation presented as analysis).
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
a second US air force combat plane crashed in the Persian Gulf region on Friday... The A-10 Warthog attack plane went down near the strait of Hormuz at roughly the same time... F-15E jet shot down over Iran
a U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog went down near the Straight of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf region around the same time the F-15 was downed
A second US warplane has crashed in the Persian Gulf region - around the same time a F-15 fighter jet carrying two crew members was shot down over Iran... A-10 Warthog
A second U.S. combat plane crashed in the Gulf region and its pilot was rescued... F-15E... crew member is missing
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Amu TV
Originating
Framed
Framed
Filed under
International — Iran, United States, Persian Gulf, IRGC, F-15E
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