A United States military pilot has been rescued by American forces after his fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran earlier on Friday. The incident occurred in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing 2026 conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. While one crew member is confirmed safe, a US official stated that search operations continue for a second individual, amid reports that a rescue helicopter was also struck by a projectile during the mission.

The downing of the aircraft—initially identified by some sources as an F-35—has intensified regional tensions that have seen the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and repeated aerial strikes. Iranian state media had earlier broadcasted appeals to local villagers and nomadic tribes to capture the "enemy" crew, offering rewards for their detention, while the US military coordinated with Israeli officials to secure the site. US Fighter Pilot Captured in Iran After F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down: Reports.

Rescue Operations and Military Casualties

Following the crash, US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched an immediate search and rescue mission. According to reports from the region, a US Black Hawk helicopter participating in the search was hit by a projectile in Iranian airspace, though its current status remains under investigation. One crew member from the downed jet was successfully extracted by US forces, but the fate of a second pilot or weapons officer—common in two-seat configurations—remains unconfirmed as military assets remain on high alert.

On the ground, Iranian authorities claimed that US and Israeli strikes on the Charak port terminal resulted in at least one civilian death and damage to infrastructure. These strikes are part of a broader campaign that has targeted bridges and power plants across Iran. In a separate incident, Iranian media reported eight deaths following a strike on the B1 bridge in Karaj, which occurred during a local holiday, leading to high civilian casualties.

Trump Proposes Taking Oil as Hormuz Tensions Peak

Amid the military fallout, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway responsible for 20% of the world's oil supply. Trump suggested that with more time, the US could easily "OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE," describing the potential move as a "gusher" for the global economy. The statement comes as international pressure mounts on the administration to find a resolution to the five-week-old war.

Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message on Friday, vowing that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the US Army would continue to "crush" Iranian resistance. The rhetoric from both leaders suggests a hardening of positions even as global energy prices soar due to the effective shutdown of the strategic shipping channel.

First Commercial Ships Cross the Blockaded Strait

In a sign of potential diplomatic maneuvering, the CMA CGM Kribi, a Malta-flagged vessel operated by a French company, became the first Western-linked container ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz since its closure. Reports indicate the vessel signaled "Owner France" to Iranian authorities via its identification system to ensure safe passage. A Japanese LNG tanker also successfully crossed the waterway on Friday, suggesting that Iran may be allowing passage for nations it deems non-hostile. Donald Trump Says Reopening Strait of Hormuz for Oil Gains Would Be a ‘Gusher’ for the World.

The passage follows a week of intensive diplomacy by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has advocated for reopening the channel through consultation rather than force. France and South Korea are currently working together at the United Nations Security Council to soften a pending resolution that would enable forceful military action to reopen the strait, favoring a de-escalation of regional animosities instead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2026 10:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).