US President Donald Trump, in his first comments on the jet crashes, said the downing of an American military jet would not affect Iran negotiations, NBC News reported.
Speaking in a brief interview, Trump dismissed concerns that the incident could derail diplomacy. “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war,” he said when asked whether the latest developments would impact talks.
The comments mark Trump’s first public reaction to the reported loss of a US aircraft during the conflict, as military operations and diplomatic efforts continue in parallel.
During the interview, Trump declined to discuss details of ongoing search-and-rescue efforts related to the downed jet, citing the sensitivity of the situation. He also voiced frustration with media coverage of what he described as a complex and active military operation.
TWO US JET CRASHED IN GULF
Friday saw two US military aircraft incidents in the Middle East, adding to tensions in the ongoing conflict.
A US F-15E Strike Eagle was first reported shot down over Iran. One crew member was rescued, while search-and-rescue efforts remain ongoing for the second, with conflicting reports about their status.
However, accounts regarding the second crew member vary, with some media reports claiming he is in Iranian custody while others suggest that search efforts are still underway.
Separately, a second US Air Force combat aircraft went down in the region, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear whether the aircraft crashed or was shot down, or whether Iran was involved. Details on the crew’s status and the exact location were also not immediately known. The New York Times had earlier reported that a second aircraft had gone down.
IRAN NOT WILLING TO MEET US OFFICIALS IN PAK
Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end, with Tehran refusing to engage in planned talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
“Current mediation efforts led by regional countries, including Pakistan, to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end,” the report said, underscoring a sharp setback in diplomatic attempts to ease tensions.
Iran has told mediators it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers Washington’s demands unacceptable, the Journal reported. “Iran has officially told mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad and that US demands are unacceptable,” according to the report.
