Iran has aired footage of an alleged US search and rescue effort amid claims an American warplane was shot down over the country earlier today.
Iranian television channels have shared video of a helicopter said to be flying low over the countryside across southern Iran apparently trying to locate the pilot. The US military and White House are yet to comment on the claims.
It comes after Iranian military earlier today claimed it has brought down a F-35 fighter jet and forced it to crash.
However, pictures posted by Iranian media of the wreckage appeared to match an F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft based at a British RAF base.
Aviation experts studying pictures posted of the apparent wreckage say it sports the US Air Force in Europe badge as well as a red tail flash belonging to the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Meanwhile Iran has unleashed a ferocious attack on Gulf energy sites striking an oil refinery and desalination plant in Kuwait as well as a major gas complex in Abu Dhabi.
Authorities in Kuwait say one of its power and desalination plants has been damaged following an Iranian hit while the Habshan gas plant in the UAE has suspended operations in response to falling debris.
Hellbound and Down 