Iran shoots down US fighter jet as US searches for crew, new strikes on oil infrastructure (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Tehran claims that the warplane was the latest generation F-35, while American officials say it was an F-15E

Welcome to RT’s live coverage of the US-Israeli war against Iran and the wider regional escalation, marked by ongoing missile and drone exchanges.

US officials have confirmed that a search and rescue operation is underway in Iran for the crew of a downed F-15E fighter jet, according to Reuters and CBS News. Iran claims it shot down another latest generation F-35.

Iranian strikes also hit Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery and caused fires in several operational units, the country’s state news agency has reported.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to step up strikes on Iran, saying Iranian power plants could be targeted next. The announcement came just hours after US forces hit the country’s tallest highway bridge linking Tehran and Karaj, rendering it inoperable.

“Our Military… hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants! New Regime leadership knows what has to be done, and has to be done fast!”

USAF HC-130J and HH-60G Pave Hawks on a deep combat search and rescue for the downed F-15 Strike Eagle crew in Iran. pic.twitter.com/vhCqUupLuz

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 3, 2026

Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari responded, warning of immediate retaliation if Washington follows through.

“If the US proceeds with its threats regarding Iran’s power plants, immediate retaliatory actions will be taken,” he said in a video address, adding that Israeli energy and IT infrastructure – as well as regional companies with American shareholders – would face ”complete and utter annihilation.”

The video featured footage of the Stargate UAE project, a major AI infrastructure hub under construction in Abu Dhabi, part of a US-backed initiative led by OpenAI. Zolfaghari said Iran would ”do whatever it takes” to defend its interests, suggesting these projects could become targets.

Earlier, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed ”in the long term” to US and Israeli ships. Trump urged Tehran to ”make a deal before it is too late.” Iranian officials have denied they are seeking a ceasefire or engaging in talks.

Latest developments:

• Search ongoing for the crew of a US fighter jet shot down over Iran

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said strikes on civilian infrastructure, including bridges, would not force Iran to surrender, calling them a sign of “defeat and moral collapse.”

• WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned US-Israeli strikes on Iranian health facilities, citing over 20 verified attacks since March 1 and at least nine deaths.

• US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has fired Army Chief of Staff General Randy George.

• The UN Security Council is set to vote on Saturday on a proposal authorizing “all necessary means” to secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively allowing 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.