A U.S. F-15 fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran last month, according to sources familiar with the incident. The downing of the aircraft reportedly triggered a dangerous rescue mission.

Sources indicate the F-15 may have been struck by a Chinese-manufactured shoulder-launched missile system. The incident occurred in southwestern Iran, though specific details about the timing and circumstances remain limited.

The reported shoot-down represents a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran. F-15 Eagles are twin-engine tactical fighters that have been a mainstay of U.S. air operations for decades.

Details about the rescue mission that followed the aircraft's downing have not been disclosed. It remains unclear whether the pilot or pilots were successfully recovered or what the current status of any personnel involved might be.

Neither the Pentagon nor Iranian officials have publicly confirmed the incident. The use of Chinese-made weaponry, if confirmed, could complicate diplomatic relationships in the region.