The US-Israel military campaign against Iran entered its 36th day on April 5, 2026, with heightened tensions following the downing of two US fighter jets and a deadly strike on critical infrastructure. Iranian forces reportedly shot down an F-15E Strike Eagle over Iranian territory—the first confirmed loss of a US aircraft within Iran since hostilities began on February 28. A second aircraft, an A-10 Warthog, was struck and crashed in Kuwait, though its pilot ejected safely. The status of the F-15E’s second crew member remains undisclosed, sparking a cross-border search operation.
Meanwhile, casualties from Thursday’s US-Israeli missile attack on the B1 bridge in Iran’s Alborz province rose to 13, according to state media. The bridge, a strategic engineering feat in Karaj, was struck twice in rapid succession, underscoring the conflict’s expanding humanitarian and infrastructural toll. Analysts warn the escalation risks further destabilizing regional security and complicating diplomatic efforts.
US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have repeatedly asserted air superiority in the region, but recent losses highlight persistent vulnerabilities. The incidents coincide with growing concerns among investors about prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern energy corridors and trade routes.
