(SeaPRwire) – Tehran asserts the aircraft was a latest-generation F-35, while American officials state it was an F-15E
This is RT’s live coverage of the US-Israeli conflict against Iran and the broader regional escalation, characterized by ongoing exchanges of missiles and drones.
US officials have confirmed that a search and rescue operation is in progress within Iran for the crew of a downed F-15E fighter jet, as reported by Reuters and CBS News. Iran, however, claims to have shot down a different aircraft, an F-35 of the latest generation.
Iranian strikes also impacted Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, igniting fires in several operational units, according to the country’s state news agency.
US President Donald Trump has issued threats to intensify strikes on Iran, indicating that Iranian power plants could be the next targets. This announcement came mere hours after US forces disabled the country’s tallest highway bridge, which connects Tehran and Karaj, rendering it inoperable.
Trump stated on Truth Social, “Our Military… hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done fast!”
Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari responded by warning of immediate retaliation should Washington proceed with its threats. He stated in a video address, “If the US proceeds with its threats regarding Iran’s power plants, immediate retaliatory actions will be taken.” He further added that Israeli energy and IT infrastructure, along with regional companies with American shareholders, would face “complete and utter annihilation.”
A video accompanying his statement featured footage of the Stargate UAE project, a significant AI infrastructure hub currently under construction in Abu Dhabi and part of a US-backed initiative led by OpenAI. Zolfaghari indicated that Iran would “do whatever it takes” to protect its interests, suggesting these projects could become targets.
Earlier, Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “in the long term” to US and Israeli vessels. Trump urged Tehran to “make a deal before it is too late.” Iranian officials have denied any pursuit of a ceasefire or engagement in negotiations.
Latest developments:
• A search is ongoing for the crew of a US fighter jet that was shot down over Iran.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that strikes on civilian infrastructure, including bridges, would not compel Iran to surrender, characterizing them as a sign of “defeat and moral collapse.”
• WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned US-Israeli strikes on Iranian health facilities, reporting over 20 verified attacks since March 1 and at least nine fatalities.
• US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George.
• The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on Saturday on a proposal that would authorize “all necessary means” to ensure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively permitting the use of force against perceived threats to shipping.
Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates. You can also read our previous updates here.
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