Iran Claims Second US Aircraft Downed in 24 Hours Near Strait of Hormuz

Iranian military forces have reported intercepting and shooting down a US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, April 3, according to statements from Iran's armed forces.

The state broadcaster IRIB quoted an army declaration stating, "The American A-10 aircraft was shot down by army air defense systems and fell into the waters of the Persian Gulf." This marks the second claimed downing of a US combat aircraft by Iran within a single day.

Earlier reports from US officials, cited by The New York Times, had indicated an A-10 crashed in the Persian Gulf region near the Strait of Hormuz. Those reports confirmed the pilot was rescued but did not specify a cause for the crash.

This A-10 incident follows another claim made earlier on Friday by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC initially stated it had shot down an American F-35 fighter jet. However, analysts examining published images of wreckage later identified the aircraft as an F-15E Strike Eagle.

The US administration has confirmed the loss of a combat aircraft. Search and rescue operations for aircrew have been conducted by both sides. American media reports suggest one of two crew members from the earlier incident was rescued, while the fate of the second remains unknown.

In response to questions about these losses, US President Donald Trump told NBC News that such events would not impact negotiations with Iran. "No, not at all. This is war," he stated. When asked about potential actions if a second crew member were captured or injured, Trump declined to comment directly, saying, "Well, I can't comment on that because we're hoping that doesn't happen."

Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian forces may have captured an American pilot who ejected after his aircraft was shot down by Iranian air defenses.