According to a statement from the Iranian army, the country's air defense systems intercepted and shot down a US A-10 attack aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz region. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that the aircraft crashed into the waters of the Persian Gulf.
How did the aircraft get shot down?
Iranian military officials stated that the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, April 3. They claim that the A-10 aircraft was successfully targeted and destroyed by air defense systems before falling into the sea. No further operational details were disclosed.
What do US sources say about the incident?
The New York Times, citing two US officials, reported that an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf region. According to their sources, the jet went down near the Strait of Hormuz, and the pilot was rescued. The cause of the crash has not been officially determined.
Were there other aircraft losses in the past 24 hours?
This incident may represent the second US Air Force combat aircraft lost in the Middle East within a 24-hour period. Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for downing another American jet. Initially identified as an F-35, later analysis of wreckage images suggested it was actually an F-15E.
What is known about the crew?
US officials have confirmed the loss of the aircraft. Search and rescue operations are ongoing on both sides. According to American media reports, one member of the two-person crew has been rescued, while the fate of the second remains unknown.
How did Donald Trump respond?
US President Donald Trump, speaking by phone with NBC News, said the incident would not affect negotiations with Iran. He described the situation briefly, stating: “This is war.”
When asked about the possibility that the second crew member of the downed F-15E might have been captured or injured, Trump declined to comment, expressing hope that such a scenario had not occurred.