The missing crew member has been confirmed as rescued, sources say — but is not yet out of danger. The rescue team must still successfully exfiltrate from Iranian territory and return to safety.

Iran shot down an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet on Friday, with one service member retrieved while a desperate search was launched for the second, according to US officials.

The last occasion a US warplane was brought down by enemy fire in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, according to retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot.

US special forces have reportedly carried out a rescue mission for the downed pilot in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, following clashes with the Basij Resistance Forces.

US airstrikes have reportedly struck communication towers in Dehdasht, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, in an attempt to disrupt the communication and coordination of Iranian forces.

This comes as Donald Trump warned Iran to open the vital Strait of Hormuz ahead of his Monday deadline, with Tehran branding his threat "unbalanced and foolish."