US forces have launched an intense search and rescue operation in Iran after its F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, April 3.

According to reports, one crew member has been rescued by the US forces, an intense search and rescue effort is currently ongoing for the second crew. Fars news agency has also reported that Iranian forces are also conducting a search and capture operation of the crew of the aircraft that was hit over southwestern Iran and a reward was being offered for anyone capturing an ”enemy pilot or pilots.”

The state-run Tasim agency, has also stated that the search for any missing crew had ”so far been unsuccessful.”

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said that ‘’The President has been briefed on the US fighter jet that was downed over Iran.’’

The incident, confirmed by US officials and Iranian state media, occurred amid the US and Israel continued expanded attacks on Iran, particularly on Iranian infrastructure, hitting a century-old medical research centre in Tehran, steel plants and a major bridge near Tehran while Iran on the other hand has continued to launch missiles and drone attacks on Israel and the Gulf states, with several units of Mina Al-Ahmadi Oil refinery in Kuwait said to be on fire following a drone attack.

Further, while President Donald Trump has vowed more strikes on civilian facilities and power plants, despite warnings of possible US war crimes, Iran’s military said the war will continue until its enemies face ”humiliation and surrender”.

”What is important for the Iranian nation is to defend itself against this aggression, and we are ready for any type of attack, including a ground attack,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared.

President Donald Trump has pledged more strikes on civilian facilities and power plants, despite warnings of possible US war crimes, humanitarian crisis and disaster. Meanwhile, several ships including a French owned container ship, three Omani-operated tankers and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours. Further, shipping data revealed Iran’s policy to permit and allow passage for vessels it considered friendly.