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A race to find the second airman who was in an American jet that Iran says it shot down has continued into its second day, with Tehran offering a reward to those who help turn the pilot in.
Iran said it downed a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle, as one of two U.S. military aircraft attacked on Friday. The pilot was rescued but the other servicemember remains missing as of Saturday morning.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon publicly released details about the downed aircraft, the pilots, or the rescue effort. In an email obtained by the Associated Press the U.S. military said it received notification of “an aircraft being shot down” in the Middle East without offering any other details.
What To Know:
- U.S. and Iranian forces are both searching for the missing airman in Iran
- Iran is offering a reward to citizens who help turn the pilot in
- The pilot of the two-man F-15 fighter jet has already been rescued
- Iran says the downed F-15 fighter jet is one of two American jets shot down on Friday
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Apr 04, 2026 at 10:32 PM EDT
Senegal Cuts Government Travel Amid Iran War Oil Surge
Senegal has banned government ministers from all but essential foreign travel as part of emergency cost-cutting measures tied to the global oil price surge driven by the war involving Iran, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said initial budget forecasts were built around oil at $62 per barrel — a figure now nearly doubled. "I have taken a number of drastic measures to restrict everything related to government spending, including the cancellation of all nonessential missions abroad," Sonko was quoted as saying by the government-owned newspaper Le Soleil. He said he personally canceled trips to Niger, Spain and France.
Like much of Africa, Senegal imports the majority of its petroleum products, leaving it exposed to supply shocks such as the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Apr 04, 2026 at 09:30 PM EDT
Multiple Explosions Reported in Dubai
Local reports indicate that at least four explosions were heard in Dubai near Dubai Silicon Oasis area.
Fighter aircraft have been reported responding to the explsions.
Updates issued by the UAE Ministry of Defense claimed that the nation's air defense system engaged 23 ballistic missiles and 56 UAVs launched from Iran on Saturday.
"The Ministry of Defense affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities," the ministry wrote in a statement.
Apr 04, 2026 at 09:00 PM EDT
Iranian state media reports airstrikes in southwest Iran killed at least 3 and wounded others
The attack took place in the same area where a missing American crew member is believed to be, the Associated Press reported.
The Iranian commander of the joint military command said his country will target all infrastructure used by the U.S. military in the region, as well as Israel’s infrastructure, if aggression against Iran escalates.
Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi’s comments Saturday evening, carried by state media, came a few hours after Trump warned Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating consequences.
“Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them,” Trump said via social media, as he re-upped a previous April 6 deadline for opening the shipping channel.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:30 PM EDT
Pope Leo XIV Leads First Easter Vigil, Calls for World Peace
Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica Saturday night, carrying a tall lit candle through the darkened church and delivering a sweeping homily on sin, redemption, and the urgent need for peace in a world fractured by war.
The vigil came days after Leo's Palm Sunday remarks drew a sharp response from the White House. Speaking to tens of thousands of worshippers in St. Peter's Square, the pope condemned war as the conflict with Iran entered its second month, saying God does not listen to the prayers of those whose "hands are full of blood" and that Jesus "rejects war" and cannot be used to justify it.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:00 PM EDT
Capture of American Airman Could ‘Shift the Dynamics’ of War: Former Intelligence Officer
The capture of the missing American air crew member by Iran could "definitely shift the dynamics of this war," a former intelligence officer told CNN.
"It would potentially be quite an issue and the Iranians would try to use that person as a bargaining chip," retired Col. Cedric Leighton, who had a 26-year career as an Intelligence Officer in the US Air Force, said Saturday during an interview with CNN, for whom he is a military analyst.
"That's something that they've been trying to do really ... ever since the hostage crisis in 1979. So that's the kind of thing that we would expect to see from them," Leighton said.
"It's something that they also train for, these aircrew members who ... might be in a situation like this - so they are trained to not only evade but if they are captured they're also trained to survive that situation," he added.
Apr 04, 2026 at 07:30 PM EDT
NATO Turns 77 as Trump Raises Doubts About US Commitment
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) marked its 77th anniversary on Saturday as renewed questions emerged over the United States’ commitment to the alliance, following a fresh round of criticism from President Donald Trump that has unsettled allies at a time of widening global conflict.
NATO’s latest anniversary arrives amid unusually open doubts from its most powerful member. Trump has in recent weeks criticized NATO allies for refusing to assist U.S.-led efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route disrupted during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Last month, Trump lashed out at NATO allies on Truth Social, accusing them of benefiting from U.S. military power while refusing to help secure shipping routes affected by the war. “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” he wrote, concluding his post by calling allies “COWARDS” and warning, “we will REMEMBER!”
Apr 04, 2026 at 07:00 PM EDT
Iran Parliament Speaker Mocks Trump ‘Legacy’ As War Drags On
Iran's Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf took to X on Saturday to mock the Trump administration's war efforts, accusing the U.S. of "selling out American lives for Israel's delusions."
"Battle-tested generals refuse to be yes-men for a TV host selling out American lives for Israel's delusions. That's the short-term price," Ghalibaf wrote. "Long-term cost? American taxpayers paying at the pump for decades. Real LEGACY."
The use of "short-term price" and "long-term cost" could also be a reference to statements President Donald Trump has made about tariffs and then gas and oil prices, discussing short term pains versus long term payoff.
Apr 04, 2026 at 06:33 PM EDT
Donald Trump Claims ‘Many’ Iranian Military Leaders Killed in Tehran Strike
President Donald Trump on Saturday evening shared a video on Truth Social showing explosions during night time over what he claimed was Tehran, adding the caption: "Many of Iran’s Military Leaders, who have led them poorly and unwisely, are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran!"
The video does not make clear where it was taken or when, and neither American or Iranian media has reported on a massive strike at this time, according to the BBC.
Apr 04, 2026 at 06:00 PM EDT
What Trump has said about the missing airman in Iran
President Donald Trump has offered only limited public comment on the fate of a U.S. airman still missing after a fighter jet was shot down over Iran, as the conflict between Washington and Tehran enters a more volatile phase.
The downing of the aircraft marked the first confirmed loss of a U.S. manned combat plane during the war, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue effort involving U.S. and Israeli forces. While one crew member from the F‑15E Strike Eagle was rescued, the second remains unaccounted for.
Trump has been briefed on the incident, the White House said Friday, but the president has largely avoided detailed public remarks, declining to outline potential U.S. responses while continuing to issue broader statements about the war, negotiations with Iran, and the country’s oil resources.
Apr 04, 2026 at 05:30 PM EDT
Prediction market on missing US service member shut down after backlash
A controversial prediction market that let users bet on the search for a missing U.S. service member has been shut down by Polymarket after drawing swift criticism Saturday, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
The market centered on a military member still unaccounted for after a fighter jet was shot down in the Iran war on Friday.
The shutdown came just hours after Representative Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat, posted a sharply worded rebuke on social media, calling the market “DISGUSTING.”
Polymarket responded on X, saying it removed the listing and is investigating how it slipped past its integrity safeguards.
Apr 04, 2026 at 05:00 PM EDT
Rubio releases statement after revoking green cards for family of Iranian Major
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on X Saturday following the announcement that he had revoked the Green Cards of family members of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani.
"Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States. Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani," Rubio said.
"She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the 'Great Satan,'" he continued.
"This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States," Rubio explained, adding, "The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes."
Apr 04, 2026 at 04:30 PM EDT
Italian PM wraps Gulf visit
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni concluded a two‑day visit to three Gulf states on Saturday, holding talks in the United Arab Emirates on expanding cooperation in energy, defense and security, her office said.
Meloni met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, where the two discussed additional joint investments and ways to deepen strategic ties, the Associated Press reported (AP).
Her office said the leaders also reviewed efforts to end the widening conflict in the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, according to the report.
The trip made Meloni the first leader from the European Union, G20 or NATO to visit the Gulf since the start of the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. She began the mission Friday in Saudi Arabia before traveling to Qatar and the UAE. The visit was not announced in advance due to security concerns, the report said.
Meloni also expressed solidarity with the UAE, which has faced attacks from Iran following the outbreak of the conflict, according to the statement.
Apr 04, 2026 at 04:00 PM EDT
Iran says five killed in strikes on petrochemical facilities
Five people were killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes on petrochemical facilities in the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Economic Zone in southwestern Iran, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing Iranian state media. A provincial security official said others were wounded in the attack, according to the reports.
The Israeli military earlier claimed responsibility for the strike, saying its air force targeted a petrochemical complex it alleged was “responsible for producing and exporting chemical materials to the regime’s armed forces.” The military said the facilities were used to manufacture components for explosives, ballistic missiles and other weaponry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement posted on X, vowed to continue the campaign, saying Israel would press ahead with additional attacks.
Iran has not released further details about the casualties or the extent of the damage.
Apr 04, 2026 at 03:30 PM EDT
Netanyahu confirms strikes on Iranian petrochemical sites
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel carried out strikes on Iranian petrochemical facilities, framing the attack as part of a broader campaign to degrade Iran’s military capabilities.
In a video statement posted on his X account, Netanyahu said Israel had already destroyed “70% of [Iran’s] ability to create steel,” which he described as a key material used in weapons production. “Today we attacked their petrochemical factories,” he added.
The Israeli military said its air force struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, in southwestern Iran, earlier in the day. The complex, the military claimed, was “responsible for producing and exporting chemical materials to the regime’s armed forces” and included facilities used to manufacture components for explosives, ballistic missiles and other weaponry.
“I promised you that we will continue to crush the terrorist regime in Tehran, and that is exactly what we are doing,” Netanyahu said in his statement.
Iran has not yet publicly responded to the latest Israeli claims.
Apr 04, 2026 at 03:00 PM EDT
UNICEF urges Iran to halt reported recruitment of children
UNICEF said Saturday it has received reports that children are being included in mobilization efforts in Iran, including instances of minors working at checkpoints, and called on the government to immediately end any recruitment of children.
In a statement posted on social media, the organization said the reported use of children in any armed capacity constitutes a grave violation of international child‑protection standards. UNICEF urged the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop all recruitment or involvement of minors in security operations.
The agency emphasized that international law prohibits the use of children by armed forces or armed groups under any circumstances, warning that such practices expose children to severe physical and psychological harm.
Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the reports.
Apr 04, 2026 at 02:30 PM EDT
Iran says Iraq exempt from Strait of Hormuz transit restrictions
Iran’s joint military command said Saturday that new transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz do not apply to Iraq, framing the exemption as a gesture toward what it called a fellow nation harmed by U.S. policies, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
In a statement delivered in Arabic and carried by state media, military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said the measures imposed in the strategic waterway “only apply to enemy countries,” according to the report.
Addressing Iraqis directly, he praised what he described as their struggle against U.S. influence, saying they “bear the marks of American occupation” and that their resistance is “worthy of appreciation and praise.”
Iran‑backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on U.S. bases and facilities since the war began, saying they are acting in solidarity with Tehran, AP reported.
The conflict — now in its second month — has severely disrupted Iraq’s economy. The country relies on oil for nearly 90% of its national budget, and most of its crude exports move through the Strait of Hormuz. With cargo traffic largely halted by Iran during the fighting, Baghdad faces mounting financial pressure
Apr 04, 2026 at 02:00 PM EDT
Lindsey Graham warns Iran leaders: ‘choose wisely’
Sen. Lindsey Graham said in a post on X Saturday that he fully supports President Trump’s ultimatum to Iran, warning that a “massive military operation” awaits the regime if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a peace deal.
Graham said he spoke with the president earlier in the day and came away convinced that Trump is prepared to use “overwhelming military force” if Iran continues to block the strategic waterway or rejects diplomatic efforts. He described Iran’s government as “severely crippled” following recent U.S. military actions and said its leadership now faces a decisive choice.
The senator added that the administration intends for pressure to push Tehran toward negotiations, saying the regime’s “reign of terror” should end through a diplomatic settlement if possible. Graham closed his remarks with a pointed message to Iranian leaders: “Choose wisely.”
Apr 04, 2026 at 01:30 PM EDT
Iranian munitions land close to military headquarters in Tel Aviv: report
Submunitions from Iranian-fired cluster munitions landed near Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Saturday, an Israeli security source told CNN.
According to the source, the submunitions fell close to the Kirya base, the central headquarters of both the Israel Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense. No damage was reported at the facility itself, CNN reported.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a series of long‑range attacks between Iran and Israel.
Apr 04, 2026 at 01:00 PM EDT
Hundreds of Russian workers evacuated from nuclear power plant
Russia’s nuclear chief says nearly 200 workers have been evacuated from Iran’s Russian‑built Bushehr nuclear power plant following a deadly strike that killed an Iranian security guard, the Associated Press (AP) reported Saturday.
This comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said a projectile struck close to the plant.
Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev said 198 employees were pulled out in what he called the “main” and “largest” evacuation wave, which began Saturday morning. Buses carrying the workers are now headed toward neighboring Armenia, and Likhachev said Israel and the U.S. will be notified of their travel routes.
Russian outlet Interfax reported that more than 400 Rosatom workers have already been evacuated from Bushehr in recent days.
Likhachev said the strike hit the plant’s physical security perimeter, warning that the risk of damage and “a possible nuclear incident” is rising.
The power plant is about 11 miles southeast of Bushehr, which sits on the eastern coast of the Persian Gulf.
The IAEA said the projectile was the fourth incident in recent weeks, prompting them to reiterate their call for "for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident."
Apr 04, 2026 at 12:30 PM EDT
Relatives of Iranian military leader have green cards revoked
Federal authorities have detained two relatives of slain Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani following a decision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke their U.S. residency status, according to a statement issued Saturday.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after their lawful permanent resident status was terminated. Officials allege that Afshar publicly expressed support for Iran’s government, including statements endorsing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist organization.
Authorities further claim that Afshar used social media platforms to promote Iranian state messaging and praise actions targeting U.S. interests abroad. Her husband has also been barred from entering the United States, officials said.
The action is part of a broader enforcement effort. Earlier this month, the State Department confirmed it had also revoked the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of Iranian political figure Ali Larijani, along with her husband. Both individuals are no longer in the country and are prohibited from returning.
In a statement, the State Department said the moves were carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and emphasized that individuals deemed to support hostile foreign regimes would face immigration consequences.
Apr 04, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
Austrian leader speaks with Araghchi about ‘spiraling escalation in the Middle East’
Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Austria spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Saturday about the "spiralling escalation in the Middle East," according to a post on X.
"Diplomatic solutions and de-escalation are urgently needed," she said, adding, "In times like this it is important to maintain dialogue."
Meinl-Reisinger told Araghchi that strikes on neighboring countries need to end and the Strait of Hormuz needs to be re-open, according to her post.
"Regarding the Iranian nuclear program Austria supports any diplomatic way forward that leads to a new agreement and full cooperation with the @iaeaorg," she continued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in an earlier post that they are monitoring the situation after a projectile struck near a nuclear power plant, noting that "no increase in radiation levels was reported."
Apr 04, 2026 at 11:30 AM EDT
Nuclear watchdog says projectile struck close to Iranian power plan
A projectile struck near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a post on X Saturday.
The agency says it is the fourth incident in recent weeks.
The power plant is about 11 miles southeast of Bushehr, which sits on the eastern coast of the Persian Gulf.
"Iran also informed the IAEA that one of the site’s physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments," the post said, noting that "no increase in radiation levels was reported."
"IAEA DG @rafaelmgrossi expresses deep concern about the reported incident and says NPP sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment."
The agency reiterated their call for "for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident."
Apr 04, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT
What pilots do when shot down behind enemy lines as US races to find airman
Iran and the United States are in a tense race to recover a missing U.S. airman after Tehran shot down an F‑15 fighter jet inside Iranian airspace on Friday.
Newsweek contacted U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) via email for comment outside of regular working hours.
The incident marks the first confirmed loss of a US fighter jet inside Iran since the war began. It underscores how far the conflict has spread and how quickly it can escalate.
For a pilot shot down behind enemy lines, the shock comes first—then training takes over.
“You’re like, ‘Oh my God, I was in a fighter jet two minutes ago, flying 500 miles an hour, and a missile just exploded, literally 15 feet from your head,’” said retired brigadier general Houston Cantwell, a former US Air Force pilot who now works at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and has flown more than 400 combat hours, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cantwell said pilots rely on Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training—known as SERE—almost immediately after ejecting. Even while descending by parachute, decisions are already being made.
Apr 04, 2026 at 10:29 AM EDT
Iranian missile attack hits residential areas in central Israel
An Iranian missile attack hit several residential areas in central Israel - Ramat Gan, Givata’im, Bnei Brak, and Petah Tikvah, according to the AP.
Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said a 52 year-old man was taken to hospital with light injuries.
Apr 04, 2026 at 10:26 AM EDT
Iranian Red Crescent says aid worker killed in airstrike
Iran's Red Crescent said the rescuer was killed in an airstrike on Saturday morning in Isfahan Province - this would be the fourth aid worker to die in the war, according to the AP.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the aid worker, Abolfazl Dehnavi, was on duty.
Apr 04, 2026 at 10:01 AM EDT
Iran says it used new air defense system to target US jet
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya joint military command said on Saturday that it used a new air defense system to target an American fighter jet on Friday, Reuters reported.
A spokesperson said the country would "definitely achieve full control" over its airspace, according to Iranian state media.
Apr 04, 2026 at 09:42 AM EDT
Intercepted drone debris hits Dubai headquarters of American tech giant
Falling debris from a drone interception in Dubai hit the facade of the building housing the Dubai headquarters of the American tech giant Oracle on Saturday, according to city officials. No injuries were reported.
Apr 04, 2026 at 09:06 AM EDT
How many US service members wounded in Iran war?
A total of 365 U.S. service members have been wounded in action during the war in Iran, according to Pentagon data posted online.
As of Friday, the wounded included 247 Army soldiers, 63 Navy sailors, 19 Marines and 36 Air Force airmen, the data showed. It was not immediately clear whether the figures include any of the service members involved in the downing of two U.S. combat aircraft reported earlier Friday.
Most of those wounded — 200 — were mid‑ to senior‑level enlisted troops, while 85 were officers and 80 were junior enlisted service members.
The Pentagon has said the death toll remains at 13 U.S. service members killed in combat.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:54 AM EDT
Iran offers reward to citizens who help capture U.S. airman
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB urged citizens to help search for the missing American airmain, offering a cash reward in return.
In one Iranian media report about the offer, the reward offered was around $66,100, according to the BBC.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:48 AM EDT
What has Donald Trump said?
President Donald Trump voiced frustration with media coverage of what he described as an intense and highly sensitive U.S. rescue operation.
In a brief phone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss specifics of the ongoing search-and-rescue effort, saying it involved sensitive military operations.
Asked whether the developments would affect any negotiations with Iran, Trump said they would not. “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war, Garrett,” he told NBC News correspondent Garrett Haake. The remarks were Trump’s first public comments about the F-15E incident.
Newsweek has covered this in more detail here.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:42 AM EDT
Where is the search taking place?
The search for the airman was focused in the southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, according to the AP.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards closed off the area to seach for the airman on Friday, The New York Times reported, citing "three officials familiar with the operation." There were no reports that anyone was found.
Apr 04, 2026 at 08:23 AM EDT
What has America said about the fighter jet downed in Iran?
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon publicly released details about the downed aircraft, the pilots, or the rescue effort. In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the operation but said the incident would not affect negotiations with Iran.
“No, not at all. No, it’s war,” Trump said.
The military told the Associated Press that it received notification of “an aircraft being shot down” in the Middle East without offering any other details.
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