WASHINGTON D.C. : US President Donald Trump has stated that despite the destruction of an American F-16 aircraft, there will be no impact on the negotiation process with Iran, clarifying that the current situation is of a war nature and such incidents are not uncommon under these circumstances.
In an official statement, President Trump said, “This is a war and we are at war. The destruction of the warplane will not affect the diplomatic process.” He added that it cannot be determined yet whether the missing crew member has been harmed or not.
Trump’s remarks come after Iran claimed to have shot down three of the most advanced US fighter jets. According to the Iranian news agency, two US helicopters that came to rescue the crew of these aircraft were also fired upon, resulting in injuries to the crew.
The Revolutionary Guards further claimed that a modern American F-35 aircraft was targeted in central Iran, while an A-10 aircraft was also destroyed near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Navy additionally claimed to have targeted a US warship near Qeshm Island.
On the other hand, a US official confirmed to a British news agency on condition of anonymity that US fighter jets had indeed been shot down, but no further details have been revealed. The situation has continued to raise tensions across the region, and the international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict.
Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has officially confirmed the specific types or numbers of aircraft lost. The fate of the missing crew member remains unknown.
