Conflicting reports have emerged about the pilot’s fate as US forces launch search-and-rescue efforts. The incident, involving a suspected stealth aircraft, could mark a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.
BY PC Bureau
April 3, 2026 — Iranian state media on Friday said authorities are offering a reward of 10 billion toman (around $60,000) for information leading to the capture or location of a US pilot after a fighter jet was allegedly shot down over central Iran.
The reports, which remain unconfirmed by Washington, come amid conflicting accounts about the fate of the pilot. Iranian outlets said the pilot ejected after the aircraft was hit, though some reports suggested survival while others indicated the crash may have been fatal.
A local television channel reportedly urged civilians to capture the “enemy pilot alive,” describing the reward as significant.
There has been no immediate response from US Central Command or the Pentagon, though an unnamed US official acknowledged to Reuters that an incident involving a US aircraft had occurred.
#BREAKING
US toys are desperately searching for the pilot of the downed warplane. pic.twitter.com/tYG1q7JHob— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) April 3, 2026
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that US forces had launched a search-and-rescue operation involving helicopters and transport aircraft, flying low over western Iran in an attempt to locate the pilot.
The incident is linked to Iranian claims that its air defence systems had downed a US F-35 Lightning II — one of the most advanced combat aircraft in operation. Iranian military statements described a “massive explosion” on impact, raising questions about whether the pilot could have escaped.
🚨 BREAKING | U.S. BLACK HAWK DOWNED
Reports indicate that a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter, searching for pilots from a previously downed American jet, has also been shot down by Iran. 🚁🔥
At this rate, the U.S. fleet is facing unprecedented losses i pic.twitter.com/lZKGVafn5P— Iran TV (@Iran_TVv) April 3, 2026
However, earlier US reports suggested that an F-35 struck by a missile had managed to make an emergency landing, with the pilot surviving. The absence of independent verification has left the latest claims unclear.
READ: US Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran as Tensions Escalate
If confirmed, the downing of an F-35 — particularly with a pilot potentially captured — would mark a major escalation. The stealth jet plays a key role in US military operations, designed for high-risk missions in heavily defended airspace.
The development comes as the conflict enters its fifth week, with Iran launching strikes across the Gulf and disrupting activity near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. At the same time, US and Israeli forces have continued strikes inside Iran, including around Tehran and Isfahan.
Amid rising tensions, former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called for an end to the conflict, warning that prolonged fighting would only deepen the humanitarian and economic toll.
