Iran Shoots Down Two US Military Aircraft as Trump Threatens Strikes on Civilian Infrastructure
Iran's military claimed to have shot down two United States aircraft on 3 April 2026, as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered a dangerous new phase, with President Trump threatening to strike Iranian power plants and desalination facilities if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
An F-15E fighter jet was downed over southern Iran, with one crew member rescued and a search ongoing for the second. A subsequent A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, mobilised for search and rescue operations, was also reportedly struck by Iranian fire and crashed after reaching Kuwaiti airspace, where its pilot ejected safely. Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin said the incidents indicated the US military did not have "complete domination of the skies."
Escalating Strikes and Retaliation
Israel conducted strikes in southern Beirut targeting what it described as Hezbollah "terror infrastructure," after issuing evacuation warnings for the area. Israeli forces also destroyed a bridge in eastern Lebanon and claimed to have launched a "wide-scale wave" of strikes against Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran.
Iran responded with missile attacks across the region. Kuwait's largest oil refinery, Mina Al-Ahmadi, reported fires in several units after a drone attack. An attack in Abu Dhabi resulted in 12 injuries from debris after interception. Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry reported intercepting and destroying approximately a dozen drones.
Trump's Threats Draw Condemnation
President Trump celebrated an attack on a major highway bridge near Tehran and threatened to strike more civilian infrastructure — including power and desalination plants — if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. These threats have drawn international condemnation, with critics warning they could constitute war crimes under international law.
Despite the downing of US jets, Trump stated the incidents would not affect ongoing negotiations with Iran. He reiterated claims that the US could "easily" open the Strait of Hormuz and "take the oil."
Global Economic Impact
The conflict is having severe economic consequences worldwide. Brent crude oil prices rose by almost 8% to around $109 per barrel. In the UK, petrol prices have risen by an average of 16% and diesel by 30% since the war began in late February, with Northern Ireland experiencing the steepest increases in Europe. Australia is experiencing fuel shortages, with hundreds of petrol stations running dry ahead of Easter.
Leaders from 40 countries convened virtually to discuss diplomatic pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though no specific actions were agreed upon. French President Emmanuel Macron called the use of force to reopen the strait "unrealistic."
What's Next
Military planners from multiple nations are scheduled to meet to discuss defensive capabilities for the strait's security. The White House has requested a $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027 — the largest year-on-year increase since World War II. A lunar flyby by the Artemis II crew, currently en route to the Moon, is scheduled for Monday 6 April.
Read more at The Guardian and AP News.
