NPR News: 04-04-2026 9AM EDT

Iranian forces downed two U.S. planes over Iran on Friday, prompting an ongoing U.S. rescue operation. NPR's Greg Myrie reported that an F-15 fighter jet was hit by Iranian fire in western Iran, endangering its two crew members—a pilot and a weapons officer. U.S. forces rescued one promptly, but the second remains missing, with the search continuing per a U.S. official speaking off the record. This incident underscores the risks to U.S. personnel amid heightened tensions, as the planes were likely on a mission involving advanced capabilities like the F-15's combat prowess.

Escalation in Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 23 people in Lebanon on Friday, intertwining Holy Week services with funerals amid ongoing explosions. Israel's military stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure after eliminating 1,000 of its members. Three United Nations peacekeepers were wounded at a base in southern Lebanon from an explosion of undetermined origin—the UN has not identified the source, while Israel attributes it to a Hezbollah rocket. This follows the killing of three other UN peacekeepers at the same base last week. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued heightened warnings, cautioning that Iran might target U.S. universities in Lebanon and urging non-essential U.S. citizens to leave immediately. These developments highlight the broadening risks to civilians, international forces