We’re In War: Donald Trump Says US Aircraft Loss Won’t Derail Iran Talks

US President Donald Trump has said that the reported downing of a US Air Force F-15E fighter jet by Iran will not hinder ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, even as search operations continue for a missing crew member. Speaking briefly on Friday, Trump dismissed suggestions that the incident could derail negotiations, stating bluntly that such developments were an expected part of wartime conditions.

"No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in war," he said, in his first public remarks since news emerged of the aircraft loss. His comments come at a time when military operations are continuing alongside attempts to find a diplomatic solution to the escalating situation.

Trump declined to provide details about the search-and-rescue mission currently under way, citing operational sensitivity. He also voiced frustration with media coverage, suggesting that it does not adequately reflect the complexity and scale of the ongoing military campaign.

The situation has intensified following reports that two US military aircraft were lost in separate incidents in West Asia on the same day. The developments have further heightened tensions in a conflict that has been steadily escalating since late February.

According to reports from the Associated Press, citing Iranian media, a US fighter pilot ejected from an aircraft over south-western Iran. This marks the first confirmed loss of a US jet within Iranian territory since the conflict began on 28 February. US media outlets have reported that one of the two crew members aboard the aircraft has already been recovered by US special forces, while efforts continue to locate the second individual.

Further details from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal indicate that the aircraft involved was an F-15E fighter jet. This type of aircraft is typically operated by a two-person crew, consisting of a pilot and a weapons systems officer.

Iranian media coverage of the incident has included appeals to the public. On a local television channel, an announcer called on residents of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to assist in locating the downed pilot. The message stated that anyone who captured the pilot and handed them over to authorities would be rewarded. The province in question is a largely rural and mountainous area covering more than 15,500 square kilometres, which may complicate search efforts.

Authorities also extended the search appeal to neighbouring Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. In addition, a message displayed on screen reportedly urged members of the public to shoot the pilot if encountered, raising concerns about the safety of the missing crew member.

Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB, reported on social media that civilians had travelled in large numbers towards the crash site in private vehicles, apparently intending to locate the pilot themselves. However, the broadcaster added that Iranian armed forces had urged the public not to harm the individual if found.