Military forces began a search operation this morning for the US fighter pilot who was hit, an Iranian news agency reported on 3/4. A channel on Iranian state television in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province announced the same day that the US fighter pilot had parachuted from the aircraft over the country's southwest airspace.

An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet takes off for a combat flight during Operation Horrifying Fury in Iran on 16/3. *Photo: CENTCOM*

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed today it used an advanced naval air defense system to shoot down a US F-35 fighter over central Iran. The IRGC added that the aircraft was part of a squadron stationed at Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK, emphasizing it had "shattered", making the pilot's fate unknown.

Tasnim news agency also published images today of what it claimed were debris from the downed US fighter. The images reportedly showed part of a main wingtip with night navigation lights and a vertical stabilizer bearing the insignia of the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE).

The state television channel's host urged citizens to turn in the "enemy pilot" to police, adding that authorities promised a reward for anyone who assisted. A ticker message on the screen earlier called on residents to "shoot if you see them".

The Pentagon and US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, have not responded to requests for comment.

If confirmed, this incident would mark the first time a US fighter jet has been shot down over Iranian territory since the conflict began on 28/2.

By Vu Hoang, based on reports from Reuters, AFP, and AP.