US media report that a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran, prompting a rescue mission. Iranian authorities have deployed troops and offered a bounty for the search of US Air Force personnel allegedly downed in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. The state-run Fars news agency called on locals to assist, highlighting the intensifying conflict between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not immediately comment, but The New York Times and Reuters cited US and Israeli officials who acknowledged the incident and launched a search-and-rescue operation. Iran claims to have shot down an F-35 stealth jet with a new defense system, though the US regime has previously dismissed such assertions. The incident underscores the volatile military engagements in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of tension. The UN Security Council is deliberating a Bahrain-sponsored resolution to authorize "defensive" force to protect shipping from Iranian attacks. Opposition from China, France, and Russia has watered down the proposal, with French President Emmanuel Macron dismissing military action as "unrealistic." The resolution vote has been delayed, reflecting deep divisions within the international community.
Shipping traffic through the strait has seen a slight uptick but remains far below pre-war levels. Data firm Windward reported 16 cargo ships transited, with most navigating near the Iranian coast under a "permission-based, selective blockade." A French container ship's passage marks a notable development, though the overall situation points to continued disruption of global trade routes.
The war's economic fallout is spreading widely. Africa faces fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices, world food prices have risen due to higher energy costs, and the European Union is grappling with an energy crisis, calling for reduced consumption. In Jerusalem, Easter and Passover celebrations were severely restricted by Israeli security measures, sparking criticism from local residents over perceived double standards.
Regional attacks have escalated, with a gas facility in Abu Dhabi halting operations after an air defense incident and a desalination plant in Kuwait damaged. Leaders of France and South Korea agreed to cooperate on reopening the strait, but provided no concrete plans. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has questioned the value of NATO, adding to alliance tensions amid the ongoing conflict.
Source: www.dw.com