A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran, a number of media outlets, including Reuters and the New York Times, reported, citing unnamed US administration officials. Officially, the Pentagon and the Central Command of the US Armed Forces did not comment.
Earlier, Axios as well as Iranian media reported that the fighter jet was shot down on Friday. Iranian media published a photo of what they claimed was the wreckage of the aircraft. There was no confirmation of the authenticity of the photo. There are no details, including the type of aircraft, either.
Citing administration officials, the agencies report a search and rescue operation being conducted by the US military. The fate of the crew is unknown.
If the reports are confirmed, it means that for the first time during the current conflict, Iranian air defences have managed not just to hit but also to shoot down an American warplane over the country’s territory.