Iran has reportedly placed a bounty on American pilots following claims that it shot down a US fighter jet, a move that has further escalated tensions in the Middle East.
State-linked Iranian media released images purportedly showing the wreckage of the aircraft, alleging that a pilot ejected over Iranian territory. Authorities in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province have urged residents to hand over any captured US pilots to security agencies in exchange for a reward.
State television also confirmed that financial incentives are being offered for information leading to the capture of the pilots. However, officials in the United States have not verified the claim, and the Pentagon has yet to issue an official response. Past Iranian claims of downed aircraft have frequently been disputed by Washington.
Reports suggest that search-and-rescue operations may be ongoing, with helicopters spotted over Tehran amid indications that two pilots could be missing. If confirmed, this would mark the first instance of a US jet being downed in enemy territory since the conflict began.
The situation comes as hostilities continue to rise, with US President Donald Trump warning that military action against Iran could intensify.
Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded across the region, with Iran targeting energy infrastructure and Israel carrying out retaliatory strikes in Tehran and Isfahan, further deepening the crisis.