Iranian media have claimed that a US fighter pilot ejected from an aircraft and was captured alive over southwestern Iran on Friday, April 3, 2026.
A local channel affiliated with Iranian state television reported the incident in the mountainous Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province.
The TV anchor urged residents to hand over any “enemy pilot” alive to police, promising a “precious prize” or valuable reward (reportedly around 10 billion toman or $60,000).
An earlier on-screen message even suggested shooting anyone seen, before the instruction changed to capture alive. Iranian media showed what it claimed was aircraft debris and US planes flying over the area.
Some reports linked the claim to a possible F-15E Strike Eagle or F-35 fighter jet downed by Iranian air defenses, though details remain unclear and conflicting. Iranian sources said the pilot parachuted safely but landed inside Iranian territory. Unconfirmed reports also mentioned a failed US search and rescue operation using helicopters.
The United States has not confirmed or denied the claims so far. The Pentagon, US Central Command, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iran has made similar claims of shooting down US or Israeli aircraft in the past that later proved false or unverified.
This development comes amid rising tensions in the ongoing Middle East conflict, now in its fifth week. Any confirmed capture of a US pilot would mark a serious escalation and could complicate diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The situation remains fluid, with global attention focused on possible further reactions from Washington.
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