Iran claims downing of US aircraft during reported pilot rescue mission
April 5, 2026
Al Jazeera English
Iranian state media has released footage it says shows US aircraft being targeted in southern Isfahan province, following claims that a C-130 transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters were downed during a US rescue mission. The footage reportedly shows strikes near Isfahan, part of a broader set of military developments linked to search and rescue operations.
Local authorities claim at least 10 people have been killed in the region, though independent verification remains limited. Iranian officials and state media frame the events as a victory over enemy forces, contrasting with US assertions about Iran’s air defence capabilities. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has issued strong warnings and statements emphasising Iran’s position. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and allied forces are described as conducting coordinated operations in response to hostile actions. Iranian outlets have also drawn comparisons with past US military operations to frame the current developments within a historical context. Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi reports from Tehran. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Iran #IranWar #USIsraelWarOnIran #Isfahan #OperationEpicFury #C130 #BlackHawk #MohammadBagherQalibaf #IranStateMedia #IRGC #Tehran #OperationTruePromise4
Al Jazeera English
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