The Iranian authorities launched a search operation to locate the U.S. pilots whose jet was reportedly hit and placed a bounty on their whereabouts, according to Iranian media.

Axios and other outlets citing U.S. officials reported that Iran had shot down a U.S. fighter jet—variously identified as an F-15E Strike Eagle or an F-35—on Friday, prompting a search and rescue operation to locate two crew members.

However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has yet to confirm the reports.

Meanwhile, Two officials told CBS News that one crew member from the F-15E fighter jet downed over Iran was rescued by U.S. forces.

Iran Launches Search Operation and Calls on Residents to Assist

Fars News Agency said that military forces have initiated a search operation in the southwest of Iran to locate the U.S. fighter pilot who was hit earlier today.

Iranian television urged the people of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province to “hand over” the pilots to police and military forces. "You will receive a valuable reward and bonus."

U.S., Israel, and Iran Exchange Aerial Strikes and Disputed Claims

The conflict and military operations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have seen over a month of intense aerial strikes on Iranian infrastructure and Tehran’s retaliation for the attacks.

Throughout the conflict, CENTCOM has repeatedly issued "fact-check" notices on social media to dismiss Iranian claims of downing U.S. aircraft as "completely false" propaganda. 

In turn, Iranian state media has rejected U.S. damage assessments of their military sites, instead broadcasting footage of alleged wreckage to insist their air defenses are successfully hitting American jets.