Wreckage of a US fighter jet reportedly shot down over Iran, as shared by Iranian state media. (Photo: Press TV/X)
A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States (US) intensified, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
With the war now at the end of its 35th day on Friday, April 3, exchanges of fire have widened in scope and geography, hitting civilian infrastructure and key energy assets. The spillover into Gulf countries underscores growing risks to global oil supply routes.
A US fighter aircraft was downed over southern Iran, with a search under way for the crew, a US official told Reuters. Iranian authorities said the strike was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency released photographs it claimed showed the wreckage, though the images remain unverified. The governor of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew would be “specially commended”, according to ISNA.
State broadcaster IRIB also indicated a search zone where Iranian and US forces are reportedly looking for two American pilots.
A gas complex in Abu Dhabi’s Habshan area was temporarily shut after debris from an intercepted aerial threat caused a fire, with operations suspended as emergency teams responded. No injuries were reported.
The governor of Iran’s Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province said anyone who captured or killed the crew would be “specially commended”, according to ISNA.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said five individuals accused of links to Israel’s Mossad were arrested in West Azerbaijan province.
The Israeli military reported a “wide-scale wave” of strikes targeting sites in Tehran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck Israeli “combat support centres” in western Galilee, Haifa and Kafr Kanna, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The IRGC said the operation involved a combination of solid and liquid fuel missiles, long-range and guided projectiles, along with drones, describing it as a coordinated attack with allied forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said strikes had destroyed about 70 percent of Iran’s steel production capacity, calling it a major blow to its military capabilities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised remarks by US President Donald Trump about sending Iran “back to the Stone Age”, calling them indicative of a potential war crime.
Iranian state media reported attacks on a university campus in northern Tehran and areas near Mehrabad Airport.
US–Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s Gulf port of Charak, killing one person and damaging the passenger terminal and civilian infrastructure, Reuters reported.
The Israeli army said it plans to strike the Sahmar Bridge in Lebanon’s Western Bekaa region to disrupt Hezbollah supply routes.
Kuwait said its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, adding that explosions heard were the result of interception operations. Authorities reported that two cruise missiles, seven ballistic missiles and 26 drones were engaged in the latest wave.
Over the past 24 hours, nine missiles and 26 drones were dealt with, while cumulative figures since the escalation stand at nine cruise missiles, 319 ballistic missiles and 690 drones.
Drones also struck the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, sparking fires in operational units, while a power and desalination plant sustained material damage. No casualties were reported.
Iranian state-affiliated media reported missile strikes on US amphibious vessels at Al-Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait.
Qatar’s defence ministry said drones launched from Iran were intercepted.
The UAE said its air defences engaged 18 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 47 drones.
Emirates Global Aluminium said its Al-Tawilah facility suffered extensive damage, with recovery expected to take up to 12 months.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported 1,368 deaths and 4,138 injuries since March 2.
Iran’s embassy in South Africa posted a message criticising the US and referencing the “MAGA” slogan.
Yemen’s Houthi group said it launched ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s Jaffa area in coordination with allied forces.
A US-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude altered its declared destination from India to China mid-voyage, according to Kpler.
Iran’s internet shutdown has entered its fifth week, with connectivity at about 1 percent of normal levels, leaving most users cut off for over 816 hours, according to NetBlocks.
The World Health Organisation said it has verified more than 20 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran since March 1, with at least nine people killed, including a member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. It added that strikes have affected hospitals and medical centres, disrupting services and endangering patients and health workers.
Saudi Arabia has rerouted shipments via alternative pipelines as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz disrupt global energy flows.
Mark Rutte is set to visit Washington next week for talks with Donald Trump amid tensions over the Iran war and NATO’s role.
Catholic churches in Dubai cancelled Easter masses following government directives, with some services moved online, AFP reported.
Worshippers have been denied access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for weeks amid the conflict, with restrictions imposed following the outbreak of hostilities.
Pope Leo urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen dialogue to end the conflict, the Vatican said.
Donald Trump said the United States could reopen the Strait of Hormuz with more time.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A ‘GUSHER’ FOR THE WORLD??? President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote on Truth Social.
This post was last modified on April 3, 2026 10:26 pm