Democratic Representative Adam Smith, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated on 3/4 that capturing a US service member would "completely change the landscape of negotiations" with Iran. This statement came as US media reported that a US F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran on 3/4, forcing two pilots to parachute. One pilot was rescued by US special forces, while the other remains missing in Iranian territory. Smith's remarks contradicted President Donald Trump's assertion that the downing of a US fighter jet would not affect any talks with Iran.

A US Air Force F-15E fighter jet. Photo: Aviation

Both the United States and Iran are currently deploying forces to search for the missing pilot. Iranian media reported that police and military officials have offered a 10 billion toman reward (nearly 60,000 USD) for anyone who finds the US pilot and hands them over to authorities. Iran later claimed to have shot down a US A-10 attack aircraft conducting a search mission for the F-15E pilot. US media indicated that the A-10 pilot attempted to steer the aircraft out of Iranian airspace before it crashed in the Persian Gulf region.

Representative Smith also criticized President Trump for what he called "completely absurd" statements regarding US military success to date. He expressed skepticism about the White House leader's remarks on ceasefire negotiations. Smith highlighted, "The President consistently states that Iran is begging for a deal, but there is no evidence of that. However, what would a negotiated deal look like? There are rumors that Vice President JD Vance is seeking to negotiate a short-term ceasefire, but under what conditions? The President has not clarified that, and it makes achieving objectives more difficult."

According to Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, Iran's downing of the F-15E fighter jet and A-10 attack aircraft indicates that the US military "does not completely dominate the air." He suggested that the United States needs to seek cooperation from allies to end the conflict. Raskin further emphasized that an air bombing campaign alone would not achieve President Trump's stated goal of regime change. "Fundamentally, you cannot bomb your way to victory," Raskin stated.

The exact crash site of the F-15E in Iran remains unknown. This incident marks the first time a US combat aircraft has been shot down over Iran during the ongoing conflict. In an interview on 3/4, President Trump declined to comment on what he would do if the remaining F-15 pilot fell into Iranian hands, stating, "We hope that doesn't happen."

By Huyen Le (According to CNN, CBS)