Middle East war live: US launches rescue operation for plane’s missing crew

A US F-15E has been shot down over Iran, according to a person familiar with US military operations.

The fate of the fighter jet’s crew — a pilot and a weapons system officer — was unknown, but a search and rescue operation was under way, the person said.

Iran’s state television reported on Friday that “an advanced fighter jet” had been shot down by the country’s Revolutionary Guards, adding that the pilot ejected and landed inside Iran.

It announced a “valuable reward” would be offered to any residents of the western province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad who located an American pilot alive.

Images of what defence analysts said appeared to be a US F-15E, including an ejected pilot seat, have been published by Iranian outlets. The FT could not independently verify them.

An F-15E is crewed by two people, according to the US Air Force.

Other photos and videos posted on social media on Friday showed what defence analysts described as US military search-and-rescue aircraft over south-western Iran.

Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, claimed that US forces were searching for the downed pilot using Black Hawk helicopters, a C-130 Hercules aircraft and drones.

The agency urged local residents “with the weapons they possess” to patrol the area.

The White House and US Central Command declined to comment.