Sherif Hussein
In a dangerous development reflecting risingmilitary tensions between the United States and Iran, Tehran announced that it had shot down several U.S. aircraft, including a C-130 military transport plane, during an aerial rescue operation inside
Iranian territory.
According to Iranian media, the operation targeted U.S. forces attempting to rescue a crew member from a previously downed fighter jet. Iran claimed it destroyed two C-130 aircraft, along with Black Hawk helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles
.
However, the United States has not officially confirmed these claims. Reports indicate that U.S. aircraft came under Iranian fire during the rescue mission, but there is no confirmation that they were actually shot down. The mission was reportedly successful, with the recovery of the missing pilot.These developments follow the reported
downing of a U.S. F-15 fighter jet over Iranian airspace, prompting Washington to launch one of the most high-risk combat search-and-rescue operations in a hostile environment, involving multiple aircraft and special forces
.
Observers suggest that Iran’s narrative may partly reflect information warfare, particularly given the lack of independent evidence confirming the downing of heavy transport aircraft. International reports note that such claims remain unverified so far..