U.S., Iran racing to find missing U.S. airman after war plane shot down

CBS News
April 4, 2026
2 min read

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U.S. airman missing after Iran shoots down two American military aircraft; Trump demands Iranian deal in 48 hours.

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Two U.S. military aircraft were shot down by Iran on Friday, leaving at least one American airman missing as search-and-rescue operations are underway. President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding a deal within 48 hours or threatening severe military consequences. The incident marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions and represents a direct military confrontation between the two countries. The missing airman's fate remains unclear as American forces work to locate him. The 48-hour deadline sets a compressed timeline for diplomatic resolution before potential broader military action.

What's Being Done

Search-and-rescue operations are underway to locate the missing airman; President Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran.

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