U.S. forces were racing to find a missing F-15 crew member in Iran as the risky search-and-rescue mission continued into the weekend. But if the missing crew member is not rescued — or is taken prisoner — it could create a significant issue for the administration as it tries to force negotiations with the new Iranian regime. In Iran, state media has shown footage of people appearing to head into the mountains in Khuzestan carrying rifles to search for the missing crew member. Earlier, it said “many people” traveled to the area to “capture” the American and said Iranian armed forces called on people not to “mistreat the pilot.” Iranian television also broadcast a statement offering people in the area a “valuable” reward for the capture of an enemy pilot alive. Friday’s incidents mark the fourth loss of an F-15 since the Iran war began and the first known loss of an A-10 during the conflict.

Source: Washington Post April 05, 2026 22:21 UTC