Iran shoots down 2 US fighter craft; one pilot still missing

Iran has shot down two American combat planes today. Earlier today, US officials confirmed reports in Iranian state media that a two-seater F-15E fighter jet was shot down in southern Iran. The US later confirmed that an A-10 Thunderbolt (known as a Warthog) that was dispatched as part of a rescue mission was also hit by Iranian fire. The A-10 crashed in Kuwait and the lone pilot safely ejected.

The Pentagon says one of the F-15 pilots was rescued and is alive but offered no other information on their status. At time of writing, the whereabouts of the other F-15 pilot remain unknown. Iranian officials are searching the area where the jet went down and have offered a reward to anyone who captures and turns the pilot over to authorities.

Little more is publicly known about these incidents at this time. President Trump has not directly commented the downing of the planes publicly and the White House says he will not appear before the press today. On a call earlier today with NBC News, Trump said the downed planes would not affect negotiations with Iran. However, Iran has reportedly refused to take part in any talks with the US, calling American demands “unacceptable”.

Trump seeks 40% increase to Pentagon budget to $1.5 trillion and further 10% cuts to programs millions of Americans rely, (including housing and healthcare programs).

Despite weeks of bombing, US intelligence believe Iran still has significant missile and drone capabilities.