Trump said that he was not happy with the media coverage of the rescure efforts underway in Iran to find the missing pilot as it affects the search operation
After reports emerged that two US warplanes were shot down by the Iranian military on Friday, President Donald Trump, in first reaction, ruled out the possibility of the downing affecting negotiations. The US officials, as cited by Reuters, confirmed that two fighter jets, an F-15 and an A-10 Warthog, were downed in Iran.
When asked whether the downing of the jets would affect ongoing negotiations with Iran, Trump said in an NBC News interview, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in a war.”
Footage of the exact moment an American A-10 warplane is struck by an air defense missile fired by the Iranian Army’s integrated air defense system.#Iran#WAR#AirDefense#A10 https://t.co/q8fUc3Ugar pic.twitter.com/49k5yu57aB
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 4, 2026
Trump declined to provide further details on the rescue operation for the missing pilot who ejected after the aircraft was shot down, stating that he was unhappy with the media coverage as it could affect the rescue efforts.
Two US jets go down in Iran war for the first time
Within 24 hours, the US lost two of its most advanced fighter jets in the conflict with Iran. This marks the first time Iran has successfully targeted US jets inside contested territory in this war, raising concerns about further escalation.
An F-15E Strike Eagle was the first aircraft reported downed, followed by an A-10 Warthog. Reports suggest that two of the three pilots have been rescued, while one remains missing. Iran’s state media reported that the country has launched a search for the missing pilot. An Iranian television reporter said that anyone who captures a crew member alive would “receive a valuable reward,” according to AFP.
Iran Parliament speaker mocks US while ex-foreign minister says ‘lets talk’
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s Parliament speaker, reacted sarcastically on X, saying that after claiming repeated victories over Iran, the US campaign has now been reduced from ‘regime change’ to rescuing its pilots.