The ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran entered a critical phase on Friday as Iranian air defences reportedly shot down a US fighter jet over central Iran, prompting a search-and-rescue operation for its two crew members.
The development came hours after the US Defence Secretary asked the Army Chief of Staff to step down, amid mounting military and diplomatic strains in the five-week-old conflict that began on February 28.
Iranian state media, including Fars and Tasnim news agencies, reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used a newly developed air defence system to down the aircraft, initially claimed as an F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter from the Lakenheath squadron.
However, analysis of wreckage images released by Iranian outlets suggests it was more likely an F-15E Strike Eagle belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron. The jet was hit over central Iran, possibly crashing in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Iranian police urged residents to assist in locating the crew, offering rewards for information.
US sources confirmed to multiple outlets that a search operation has been launched involving Black Hawk helicopters and C-130 Hercules aircraft, though no official comment has come from the Pentagon or White House so far. This marks the first confirmed US jet loss since the conflict erupted, with Tehran claiming it as the third such incident (earlier unverified claims were made on March 23 and April 2). Casualty figures in the war stand at over 1,900 dead in Iran, 19 in Israel, more than two dozen in Gulf states and the West Bank, and 13 US service members.
US Army Chief asked to steps down
In Washington, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to retire immediately, the Pentagon confirmed. The move, reported, is seen as part of a broader leadership shake-up to align the military with President Donald Trump’s and Hegseth’s strategic vision amid the Iran war. Gen. George, the 41st Chief of Staff, had been nominated during the previous administration.
US destroys Iran's tallest bridge
Fresh strikes rocked the region as Iranian missiles targeted Israeli sites, with reports of damage in areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In retaliation, US-Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure, including the destruction of the B1 bridge, Iran’s tallest and a key link near Tehran and Karaj, which left casualties and triggered public outrage in the Islamic Republic.
Also read: US fighters downed, pilots 'missing' in Iran
French tankers pass through Hormuz
Amid the crisis choking global oil routes, French tankers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, according to diplomatic sources. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier urged Iran to reopen the waterway, stressing freedom of navigation while maintaining a defensive posture to protect French interests and regional partners.
Ships escape through new Oman Coast route
In a significant maritime development, three Omani-flagged vessels, two oil supertankers (Dhalkut and Habrut) and the liquefied natural gas carrier Sohar LNG, evaded Iran’s blockade by hugging the Omani coastline. Ship-tracking data showed them exiting the strait safely, offering a potential alternative route for commercial traffic as freight rates have soared fivefold due to the crisis. The move was widely reported as a tactical workaround to keep limited energy flows moving.
Tehran issues ‘hit-list’ of 8 Gulf bridges
In a direct response to the US destruction of the B1 bridge, Iranian state media published a “hit-list” of eight major bridges across Gulf nations and Jordan. The semi-official Fars News Agency described the targets as potential retaliation sites, signalling Tehran’s intent to widen the conflict if strikes on its infrastructure continue. The announcement has heightened fears of further disruption to regional connectivity and energy routes.
The conflict, now in its 35th day, has spread across the Middle East, with Iran launching missile and drone barrages against US bases and Israeli targets, while the US and Israel have focused on degrading Iranian military leadership and key sites. Global oil prices remain volatile, and India is closely monitoring the situation for its impact on energy imports and the safety of over 1,100 Indian seafarers in the region.
As search operations continue in Iran and diplomatic back-channels remain active, the ouster of the US Army chief and the downing of the fighter jet underscore the growing unpredictability of the war. Further updates are expected as both sides assess the latest blows.
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