US special forces are searching for the navigator of an F-15E fighter jet that crashed Friday in Iran.
Iranian search efforts, at least publicly, are focused on the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in southwestern Iran, in the heart of the Zagros mountain range.
Iranian media have reportedly offered a reward of approximately $66,000 for anyone who captures the navigator alive. According to a report in the British newspaper The Telegraph, tribal populations in the region, known for their deep-rooted traditions, have responded to the call.
US President Donald Trump stated that the downing of the aircraft would not affect negotiations with Iran, but indicated that the situation could change significantly if Iranian forces locate the navigator first.
The fighter pilot, it was noted, has already been rescued under fire by helicopters-two of which were hit by Iranian fire but managed to land safely. An A-10 aircraft also crashed, and its pilot was successfully rescued from the Gulf. According to overnight reports, US commando forces are operating on Iranian soil as part of the search for the missing navigator.