‘We’re In War’: Donald Trump Says US Aircraft Loss Won’t Halt Iran Talks

US President Donald Trump on Friday said the downing of a US Air Force F-15E fighter jet by Iran would not disrupt ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, even as the search continues for a missing crew member, according to a report by NBC News.

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Dismissing concerns that the downing of a US fighter jet could derail diplomacy, Trump in a brief interview said, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war”.

Read More Iran War Far From Over? US’ Efforts To Reach Ceasefire Deal Hit Dead-End As Tehran Rejects Demands

The remarks mark Trump’s first public response to the reported loss of a US aircraft in the conflict, as military operations continue alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He further declined to discuss

details of ongoing search-and-rescue efforts related to the downed jet, citing the sensitivity of the situation. He also expressed frustration with media coverage, saying it failed to reflect the complexity of the ongoing military operation.

Read MoreIranian Media Claims US Rescue Mission For Downed Jet Crew Has Failed

The development comes after two US military aircraft went down in separate incidents in the West Asia on Friday, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Two US Jet Crashed

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was earlier reported shot down over Iran. One of the two crew members was rescued, while a search-and-rescue operation remains underway for the second.

However, the status of the missing crew member remains unclear. Some media reports have suggested he may be in Iranian custody, while others indicate that efforts to locate him are still ongoing.

A separate US combat aircraft, identified as an A-10 Warthog, also crashed in the Persian Gulf, with the pilot later rescued, according to multiple media reports.

Iranian state media claimed the aircraft was targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps near the Strait of Hormuz, though US officials have not confirmed the claim. There were also unverified reports that US Air Force helicopters, including at least one Black Hawk, came under fire during a rescue mission for the downed F-15E crew.