# United States and Israel are bombing Iran {for current/ongoing events, past/future have specific threads} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump, iran-strikes-2026\ **Created:** [February 28, 2026, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071 "2026-02-28T07:56:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 58
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1153 "2026-04-03T13:50:32Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > Then a separate article shows Iran claiming they shot down an F-35, but that wreckage looks much more like an F-15 to me. There is some as of yet unconfirmed evidence that an F15 was indeed shot down; the Iranians claimed it was an F35 but the limited evidence doesn’t support that, it points to an F15. There are (again unconfirmed) reports that the US has sent a Hercules and a couple of Black Hawks into Iran, potentially to find and/or pick up the crew members. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1154 "2026-04-03T13:50:43Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > This all seems a bit confused. In particular, the F-15E has a two-man crew, so why do the articles only mention the pilot? > > Then a separate article shows Iran claiming they shot down an F-35, but that wreckage looks much more like an F-15 to me. > > I think it’s best just to take all of those claims with multiple handfuls of salt until confirmation. > > ETA: OK, I did find another article that correctly refers to the search being for two crew members.. I did look for some corroboration but the information coming out is difficult to find these days. Of course we need to look at everything cautiously. Accurate reporting seems to be a thing of the past. I have very little trust in it especially what comes from the US. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1155 "2026-04-03T15:22:00Z")
From Reuters (no additional details): [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-fighter-jet-shot-down-over-iran-search-underway-crew-us-official-says-2026-04-03/](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-fighter-jet-shot-down-over-iran-search-underway-crew-us-official-says-2026-04-03/) ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1156 "2026-04-03T15:45:39Z")
Pretty incredible reports - apparently the US has been able to extract the pilot from Iranian territory. The navigator is still being searched for. Don’t have an English link atm, sorry. > **[איראן הפילה מטוס קרב אמריקני: הטייס חולץ, גורלו של הנווט לא ידוע](https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/s1amzepibe?utm_source=ynet.co.il&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=copy_url)** > > הטלוויזיה האיראנית פרסמה תמונות של הריסות המטוס. ערוץ בדרום המדינה קרא לאזרחים ללכוד את הטייסים שהיו במטוס "תמורת פרס". בארה"ב מאשרים שהמטוס הופל, ואחרי שעות של חיפושים אחר שני אנשי הצוות, חולץ הטייס ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1157 "2026-04-03T16:37:22Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > Don’t have an English link atm, sorry. > **[Live updates: US rescues 1 of 2 crew members from fighter jet downed over...](https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/03/world/live-news/iran-war-us-trump-oil)** > > A US fighter jet has been shot down over Iran, three US sources said, confirming Iranian state media reports. Follow here for the latest. > The US has rescued a pilot from the fighter jet that was shot down over Iran, sources told CNN. The status of a second crew member was not immediately clear, as US search and rescue efforts continue. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1158 "2026-04-03T21:42:33Z")
They even rescued the guy shot down trying to rescue the guy who was shot down! I would make a joke, but, tragedy and farce… ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1159 "2026-04-03T21:59:46Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > They even rescued the guy shot down trying to rescue the guy who was shot down! The other interpretation is that Iran is successfully shooting down American aircraft. (I guess their military hasn’t been denuded after all) ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1160 "2026-04-03T22:18:44Z")
Reports that the Iranians have downed an A-10: > **[Live updates: A-10 aircraft hit by Iran’s air defenses, second US aircraft to...](https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-03-2026)** > > A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported. The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft had gone down in the Middle East on Friday. ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1161 "2026-04-03T23:06:31Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > The other interpretation is that Iran is successfully shooting down American aircraft. This was my thought. Is this just the iranians getting lucky twice in one day. Or is some aspect of their AA infrastructure that has previously been taken out of action, now partially back online. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1162 "2026-04-03T23:28:34Z")
> [@griffin1977](#): > > This was my thought. Is this just the iranians getting lucky twice in one day. Or is some aspect of their AA infrastructure that has previously been taken out of action, now partially back online. If I were Iran, I would be holding capabilities in reserve, pretending to be defenseless in order to draw in more targets. Iran has an asymmetrical advantage in that the US is fragile and has little stomach for casualties or prisoners. So while they are probably severely degraded at this point, and have little hope of defeating US forces, they are still well capable of inflicting the kind of pain that the American public can’t tolerate - i.e. high oil prices, captured pilots, frustrated allies, etc. So if Iran are smart, they’ll be holding reserves to hit American forces who assume they can operate freely in Iranian territory. It sounds like they’re doing exactly that. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1163 "2026-04-03T23:31:58Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > It’s not a war. It’s an… I don’t know, a conflict, something. Put on by our new Department Of War. I forgot who posted it, but I agree with that poster’s appellation: _Department of War Crimes_. > [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > Or to borrow from the Korean War, IIRC, a “Police Action” Sadly, this time the US isn’t the cop in that scenario. > [@griffin1977](#): > > Or is some aspect of their AA infrastructure that has previously been taken out of action, now partially back online. Or it was never take out to begin with. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1164 "2026-04-04T00:50:46Z")
Update: > **[Live updates: A-10 aircraft hit by Iran’s air defenses, second US aircraft to...](https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-03-2026?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share)** > > A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported. The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S. Air Force combat aircraft had gone down in the Middle East on Friday. > **Major developments we’re [Associated Press] following:** > > - **Iran shot down** [**two U.S. military planes in separate attacks**](https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-trump-lebanon-april-3-2026-a6365c6123cc8a696474f576d4ce7668) **Friday,** with one service member rescued and at least one missing, in a dramatic escalation since [the war](https://apnews.com/hub/iran) began nearly five weeks ago. It was the **first time U.S. aircraft have been downed in the conflict** and came just two days after President Donald Trump [said in a national address](https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-war-address-to-nation-patience-940c2cd13a8c45f9d6d35a4750b7b499) that the U.S. has “beaten and completely decimated Iran” and was “going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast.” > - One fighter jet was shot down in Iran, officials said. A **U.S. crew member from that plane was rescued, but a second was missing** , and a U.S. military search-and-rescue operation was underway. Neither the White House nor Pentagon released public information about the downed planes. * * * * * * > **[Live updates: A-10 aircraft hit by Iran’s air defenses, second US aircraft to...](https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-04-03-2026#0000019d-54fb-d1f7-a9bf-7cff7b410000)** > > In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search and rescue effort. | A U.S. A-10 aircraft has been hit by Iranian air defenses, Iranian state media reported. The Associated Press reported earlier that a second U.S.... > In a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to discuss the search and rescue effort. > > He was asked if it would impact negotiations with Iran and said, “No, not at all. No, it’s war.” Words fail… except the word “clusterfuck,” of course. 🤬 ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2026, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1165 "2026-04-04T09:28:28Z")
Of course he declined to talk about the search and rescue effort. Why would he care about a “loser” who managed to get shot down or, worse yet, captured by an enemy? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1166 "2026-04-04T15:45:49Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Is anyone who initially supported this war ready to admit what a colossal screwup it has been? If one says, ‘I’ve flamingoed up. It’s like a cock-up but much much bigger,’ I’d wonder if s/he might be saved. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1167 "2026-04-04T22:56:16Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Is anyone who initially supported this war ready to admit what a colossal screwup it has been? If so, can you explain why you thought this would go any better than it has? I believe you used the wrong pronoun. Here’s the correct usage, IMHO. _Is anyone who initially supported this war read to admit what a colossal screwup **HE** is?_ ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2026, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1168 "2026-04-04T23:14:47Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Is anyone who initially supported this war ready to admit what a colossal screwup it has been? There’s black/maudlin joke about 45/47 and his overweening need to win biggly and the irony that the first time his Department of War reduced its arsenal’s inventory, it lost. ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2026, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1169 "2026-04-05T00:35:38Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Is anyone who initially supported this war ready to admit what a colossal screwup it has been? If so, can you explain why you thought this would go any better than it has? I don’t support the war but years ago I remember asking the question “what if the US bombed the crap out of Iran and then just left?” As I recall the response was along the lines of “that’s a terrible idea because [everything that is happening right now] would happen.” My question was not intended to be interpreted as actual policy at the Pentagon! ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2026, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1170 "2026-04-05T02:20:29Z")
[Trump threatens Iran with more attacks on civilian targets.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/article/trump-gives-iran-48-hour-deadline-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-or-face-new-strikes-190622649.html) > [@](#): > > President Trump on Saturday gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach a peace agreement — or face a new round of military strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. > > “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump [posted](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116346816254869135) on Truth Social. “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign [sic] down on them. Glory be to GOD!” > > The deadline traces back to the U.S. threat in March to destroy Iran’s power plants unless the strait fully reopened. Trump extended the window several times as diplomatic contacts continued, settling on Monday, April 6, as the final cutoff. Iran’s response is to not roll over. (Same link) > [@](#): > > Iran’s response was mixed. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf had [warned](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-iran-war-trump-rcna266339) earlier this week that his country was “locked, loaded and standing tall,” and an Iranian military spokesman [vowed](https://time.com/article/2026/04/02/iran-threatens-crushing-broader-attacks-us-israel-after-trump-warning/) “more crushing, broader and more destructive” attacks. But on Saturday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled some openness to talks, while calling the administration’s 15-point proposal unreasonable. “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” he [said](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/4/trump-says-iran-has-48-hours-to-make-deal-as-search-for-us-pilot-continues). Two regional officials told the Associated Press that diplomats from Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have been working behind the scenes to help both sides find common ground Standing tall? I wonder if that was “standing by” lost in translation. [And this is why you don’t say things the way Hegseth does.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/retired-lt-general-says-missing-040303737.html) > [@](#): > > Ret. U.S. Army Lt. General **Russell Honoré** said that if Iran were to apply Secretary of Defense **Pete Hegseth’s** “no quarter” attitude, the American aviator missing in Iran would be “killed on the spot” if found. > > The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [shot down](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/03/world/middleeast/iran-war-middle-east-recap-friday.html?smid=url-share) a U.S. F-15 fighter jet on Friday over Iran. One of the two crew members was rescued, but another is [missing in action](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fox-jennifer-griffin-says-silence-010329051.html). Later, it was reported that Iran also shot down an A-10 Warthog, whose lone pilot was rescued. > > After the shootdowns, Honoré noted on social media some remarks made by Secretary of Defense **Pete Hegseth**. > > “We will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies,” Hegseth said during a March 13 news conference. “No quarter” is broadly understood to mean “no prisoners.” Killing captured or surrendering soldiers is a [war crime](https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/18/us/word-of-week-no-quarter-hegseth-cec). I can’t quote the whole article because it’s too short. Read the rest of it and then hope at least one side in the conflict decides to follow the rules of armed conflict. [The limited fire at the US embassy in Saudi Arabia wasn’t so limited.](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/iranian-drone-attack-us-embassy-101422644.html) > [@](#): > > A recent Iranian drone strike on the US embassy in Saudi Arabia caused more damage than initially reported, potentially putting hundreds at risk, according to a Wall Street Journal report. > > The [Iranian drone strike on the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/us-embassy-saudi-arabia-struck-030412947.html) last month appears to have caused more damage than initially revealed, according to a _Wall Street Journal_ report published on Friday. > > When the attack occurred in March, the [Saudi Defense Ministry](https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-891510) claimed it caused a limited fire and minor damage. However, current and former American officials contradicted this assessment in their statements to the _WSJ_. & > [@](#): > > The strikes penetrated a secure area of the embassy where several hundred people would typically be working during the day, severely damaging three floors. Officials noted that “if it had occurred during working hours, it could have been a mass-casualty event.” > > Among the areas hit was the Central Intelligence Agency ([CIA](https://www.jpost.com/international/article-882174)) station, sources familiar with the situation told the _WSJ_. & > [@](#): > > The “limited fire” originally described by the Saudi Defense Ministry, according to the _WSJ_ , lasted half a day and caused extensive damage to three floors of the embassy, which are now deemed unrecoverable. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2026, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1171 "2026-04-05T04:16:06Z")
Really excellent news: I am hearing reports that the navigator from the downed F-15 had been recovered as well. Eta: found an English source: > **[Navigator from downed US fighter jet in Iran located after 'heavy firefight'](https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1p009iy2we)** > > US officials say commando-led mission with heavy air cover secured navigator after clashes; reports confirm second rescue as Trump hails 'daring' operations and asserts air dominance over Iran ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2026, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071/1172 "2026-04-05T04:23:07Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Standing tall? I wonder if that was “standing by” lost in translation. Maybe. “Standing tall” works, too, as it’s a real English phrase, and means “being proud and confident,” and “exhibiting courage in the face of adversity.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071.md?page=57) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-states-and-israel-are-bombing-iran-for-current-ongoing-events-past-future-have-specific-threads/1028071.md?page=59)