Newsmax has confirmed that a U.S. fighter jet has been shot down over Iran's southwest.
A search and rescue operation is underway to locate two crew members believed to have been aboard the aircraft.
A local Iranian state television channel reported that at least one U.S. pilot ejected from the jet after it was hit. The broadcast aired a message urging civilians to capture any surviving pilots and turn them over to authorities, offering what it described as a "precious prize."
An on-screen crawl went further, encouraging viewers to "shoot them if you see them," referring to individuals allegedly seen in circulating social media footage.
Iranian state media also released images and video purportedly showing debris from the downed aircraft, including what appears to be an ejection seat. The footage suggests the aircraft may have been an F-15 fighter jet, though that has not been independently verified.
The Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The reports come amid heightened tensions in the region, though details surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear and unconfirmed by U.S. officials.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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