US aircraft seen over Iran in rescue mission, says Iranian media US forces have begun a search and rescue mission for the crew of an F-35 jet that was downed by Iranian defences on Friday. Iranian news outlets with IRGC affiliations have reported aircraft including helicopters belonging to US forces flying over central Iran. News agency Tasnim reported a US Hercules C-130 aircraft was involved in the search for the missing crew and that one aircraft had retreated after receiving heavy fire. News outlet Mizan also published images of what it claimed were US aircraft conducting a search and rescue mission over Iran.  Middle East Eye has not been able to immediately verify these claims.