Iran may have used Chinese missile to shoot down U.S. fighter jet, sources say

An American F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over southwestern Iran last month, likely by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, according to sources familiar with the incident. The two-man crew ejected safely; the pilot was rescued within hours, while the weapons systems officer evaded capture for two days in the Zagros Mountains before being recovered. This marked the first time in decades that a U.S. fighter jet was downed, triggering a high-stakes rescue operation and raising concerns about the evolving military capabilities of Iran. U.S. officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shootdown, with preliminary findings suggesting that China may have supplied Iran not only with the missile used but also with a long-range early-warning radar system capable of detecting stealth aircraft. The presence of Chinese military technology in Iran complicates the already tense relationship between Washington and Beijing, especially as President Donald Trump has sought Chinese cooperation to help end the ongoing conflict. Despite these tensions, China remains a major customer for Iranian oil and has publicly called for an end to the war, emphasizing the global economic impact of the conflict. The Trump administration has brokered a ceasefire with Iran ahead of a key meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the importance of China’s involvement in resolving the crisis, he emphasized that the U.S. is not dependent on Beijing’s assistance. President Trump has publicly stated that Xi Jinping promised not to supply weapons to Iran, a commitment he has expressed confidence in despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The incident highlights the growing complexity of the conflict and the role of international actors in arming regional powers. It also underscores the challenges faced by the U.S. in countering advanced missile threats and intelligence capabilities in a volatile region, with broader implications for global security and diplomatic relations between the United States, China, and Iran.