Washington/Cairo: Iranian forces searched on Saturday for a missing U.S. pilot after two American warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf, while rescue teams recovered two other airmen, officials said.
The incidents underscored ongoing risks for U.S. and Israeli aircraft as the conflict entered its sixth week. Despite claims by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of full aerial dominance, hostilities continued to intensify. Meanwhile, the possibility that a U.S. pilot remains alive inside Iran has raised political and military stakes for Washington.
Escalation deepens as aircraft losses mount
Iranian fire downed a two-seat U.S. F-15E fighter jet, officials confirmed. At the same time, a pilot ejected from an A-10 aircraft that later crashed in Kuwait. Additionally, two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the rescue mission sustained damage from Iranian fire but exited Iranian airspace.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was searching a southwestern region for the missing pilot. Local authorities even offered rewards for capturing enemy personnel. Meanwhile, Iranian officials publicly mocked U.S. war aims, signaling confidence amid continued resistance.
Regional strikes widen conflict impact
The conflict expanded across the region as Iran launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and Gulf allies. For instance, debris from intercepted projectiles struck buildings in Dubai, though no casualties were reported. Similarly, attacks hit Kuwait’s critical infrastructure, including a power and water facility and the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery.
In response, Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut. At the same time, the United States warned its citizens in Lebanon to leave due to escalating threats.
Furthermore, oil markets reacted sharply, with U.S. crude prices surging 11% amid fears of prolonged instability. As both sides exchanged threats, including potential strikes on infrastructure, prospects for a ceasefire appeared increasingly distant.
