Tehran: An American F-15 fighter jet crashed in western Iran after being targeted by an Iranian air defense system, as reported by Israeli Channel 14. The incident has raised tensions in the region, with details surrounding the fate of the pilots remaining unclear. The channel did not comment on whether the pilots were captured following the crash.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, media reports indicate that the crew members managed to eject and parachute into Iranian territory. A complex rescue operation was swiftly executed by a joint force from the US and Israeli militaries, highlighting the close cooperation between the two nations. This collaboration facilitated the rapid rescue of the crew, ensuring their safe retrieval deep within Iranian territory.

Initial assessments suggest that the elite 669 rescue unit of the Israeli Air Force, renowned for such operations, may have been involved, although this has not been officially confirmed by security sources. The incident occurred amid a night marked by significant escalation, with air raid sirens activated across Israel. This followed a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks launched from Iranian territory toward Israel. Although residents in central Israel reported hearing loud explosions, no injuries have been reported thus far.