The rescue operation for the downed F-15E in Iran wasn’t even over when the second blow came: an A-10 Warthog crashed in the Persian Gulf region near the Strait of Hormuz, around the same time the F-15E was shot down. The New York Times reported it citing two US officials. The A-10’s lone pilot ejected and was recovered alive.

But that wasn’t all. Two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the F-15E rescue mission were also hit by hostile fire, injuring their crews. Both managed to return to base. Videos shared by Iran’s Mehr agency showed civilians firing at rescue aircraft. State TV urged the public: “Shoot them if you see them.”

A single day: two combat aircraft lost and two helicopters damaged. The Pentagon finally published official Operation Epic Fury casualty figures: 365 US service members wounded in action and 13 killed. The F-15 is the fifth manned US aircraft lost in the war.

Trump downplayed the situation. Asked if the F-15 shootdown would affect negotiations with Iran, he told NBC: “No, not at all. It’s war.” Shortly after, he posted on Truth Social: “OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.” Iran’s parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf mocked the incident.