Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it destroyed two aircraft, five drones and two cruise missiles using a newly deployed advanced air defence system, according to international media reports.
In a video released by the IRGC, which it claims shows the downing of a US aircraft, the force described the day as a “black day” for the United States. It added that Iranian airspace had become “dangerous for the enemy” due to the actions of its air defence personnel.
The IRGC also said there were reports that at least one crew member had been unable to eject safely.
Separately, Iranian state media published footage said to show the downing of a US Black Hawk helicopter. Iranian reports claim that three US aircraft were shot down in a single day, with conflicting accounts about the capture of a pilot.
The United States has confirmed that one of its warplanes crashed in Iran and said a search operation for the pilot is under way. Iranian media reported that a US helicopter involved in the search mission was also struck by a missile.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an American military aircraft had been brought down in Iran and that efforts were ongoing to locate any surviving crew members. There was no immediate information about their condition. The Pentagon and US Central Command have not commented publicly.
Israel’s military radio, citing sources, also confirmed the incident, saying search and rescue operations were continuing. Initial reports suggested the aircraft may have been an F-35, although this has not been officially confirmed.
According to AFP, Iranian and US forces were racing on Saturday morning to locate a crew member of what would be the first US warplane destroyed inside Iran since the start of the conflict.
Tehran said it had shot down an F-15 fighter jet, while US media reported that American special forces had rescued one of the two crew members, with the other still missing.
Iranian forces also said they had shot down a US A-10 ground-attack aircraft in the Gulf. US media reported that the pilot had been rescued.
US President Donald Trump told NBC News that the downing of the American aircraft would not affect ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. Asked whether the incident would influence talks, he said: “No, not at all. This is war. We are at war.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin said the Russian and Turkish presidents had discussed the situation in the Middle East following Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
Turkey’s presidency said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had stated that Ankara does not accept attacks against Iran, nor does it support Iran’s retaliatory actions against regional countries. It added that Turkey remains in contact with all parties to help de-escalate the conflict and restore peace in the region.
China has blamed the United States and Israel for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said the “root cause” of the disruption was what it described as illegal attacks on Iran.
The spokesperson added that ending military operations and restoring peace and stability in the Gulf were essential to ensuring global shipping routes remain open and secure, and urged the international community to work together to prevent further damage to the global economy and energy supplies.
Inputs: International Media
