US-Iran war live updates: Iran shoots down two US warplanes, two crew rescued but one still missing; Iranian Speaker mocks search mission as Trump goes quiet
by Rachael Dexter, Paul Dyer, Sarah McPhee · WAtodayPinned post from 3.33pm
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That’s all for today
By Rachael Dexter
Thank you for following our Saturday coverage of the Middle East conflict and its global impacts.
Here is the situation as of Saturday evening (AEST):
- Historic US aircraft losses: For the first time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the US has lost manned military aircraft in combat.
- Search for missing airman: One crew member was rescued after Iran shot down a US F-15E fighter jet. Search efforts continue for a second service member.
- Iranian reaction: Iran’s parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf mocked the US on social media, suggesting their strategy has downgraded from regime change to asking, “Can anyone find our pilots?” .
- A-10 downed: A second US plane, an A-10 Warthog, was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz. The lone pilot was rescued.
- Rescue helicopter damaged: A US UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was badly damaged by Iranian ground fire during the F-15E rescue operation but returned safely to Iraq.
- Australian fuel reserves: Australia currently holds 39 days’ petrol, 29 days’ diesel, and 30 days’ jet fuel. Service station outages have decreased as supply levels remain stable.
- Shipping movements: One French-owned container ship and one Japan-affiliated liquefied natural gas tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and Friday respectively — the first European and Japan-linked passages since the start of the war.
Our live reporting will resume early on Easter Sunday.
Good night.