A US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that crashed in south-western Iran in April may have been brought down by a Chinese-made shoulder-fired missile, according to an NBC News report that cited sources familiar with the matter. If confirmed, it would be the first time in decades that a US fighter aircraft has been shot down by enemy fire.
The report also said China may have provided Iran with a long-range early-warning radar system. Such a radar could detect stealth aircraft that are designed to avoid traditional radar systems. US officials are still investigating the cause of the crash. The incident led to a dangerous rescue operation for the aircraft’s crew.
The reported use of Chinese-made military equipment by Iran could create further tensions between the United States and China, especially after US President Donald Trump sought China’s help in efforts to end the conflict.
Trump’s Warning to China
After the incident, Trump said the aircraft had been struck by a shoulder-launched missile known as a MANPAD (man-portable air defence weapon).
MANPADs are lightweight missiles that can be carried and fired by a single person at low-flying aircraft. Last month, Trump warned China against supplying weapons to Iran following reports that Beijing was preparing to send military equipment, including MANPADs. “Well, if China does that, China is going to have big problems, okay?” he said.
Crew Members Rescued
The F-15E’s two crew members safely ejected before the aircraft crashed. According to the Pentagon, the pilot was rescued within seven hours. The weapons systems officer avoided capture by hiding in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains and was rescued two days later.
After the incident, the Trump administration helped arrange a ceasefire with Iran before a closely watched meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
US officials said China played an important role in efforts to end the conflict. However, they stressed that Washington was not relying on Beijing’s assistance. Earlier this month, Trump said Xi had personally assured him that China was not supplying weapons to Iran.
“President Xi has promised me that he’s not sending any weapons to Iran. That’s a beautiful promise. I take him at his word,” Trump told Fox News.
ALSO READ: [Live Updates] Today Breaking News, June 1: Oil prices jump more than 2% after Netanyahu orders Israeli army to expand Lebanon invasion
Ongoing Conflict and Peace Talks
The conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. It has also affected global energy markets because of disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
US and Israeli officials have said that a preliminary agreement to end the war has been reached and is awaiting final approval from Trump.
The US president said on Friday that he would hold a meeting in a secure room at the White House to make a “final determination” on the proposal. The plan would extend the ceasefire, first agreed in early April, by another 60 days.
Tensions Remain High
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Both sides have continued to warn each other about the possibility of renewed fighting.
US officials said Trump remains ready to authorise military action if negotiations fail. Iranian leaders have also indicated that they are prepared for that possibility.
First published on: Jun 01, 2026 08:52 AM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
Related Story
