As the conflict between Iran’s regime and the United States and Israel enters its 35th day, the war has seen a significant escalation with the downing of a U.S. F-15E fighter jet over southwestern Iran.

While U.S. intelligence reports indicate that the Iranian regime still maintains roughly half of its missile and drone capabilities, the regime has continued to launch retaliatory strikes across the region, resulting in a civilian death in the UAE and infrastructure damage in Kuwait.

Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz have been delayed as member states debate the authorization of military force. Inside Iran, heavy airstrikes have targeted infrastructure, including a major bridge in Karaj and ports on Qeshm Island.

Roundup of today’s key events

A U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran; one crew member was rescued while a search operation is underway for the second pilot amid bounties offered by regime officials.

The death toll from the U.S. airstrike on the B1 bridge in Karaj has risen to 13, prompting regime-affiliated media to threaten retaliatory attacks on key bridges in Israel and neighboring Arab nations.

Recent U.S. intelligence assessments reveal that the Iranian regime retains approximately 50 percent of its missile launchers and drone capabilities, contradicting some public statements by U.S. officials.

The UN Security Council has delayed a vote on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the draft was watered down to remove authorization for offensive military action due to opposition from Russia and China.

Regional fallout continues as drone strikes caused a fire at a Kuwaiti oil refinery, and falling debris from an intercepted regime attack killed an Egyptian citizen at a gas facility in the UAE.

Video footage emerged showing an Iranian regime missile malfunctioning and crashing in Tehran, coinciding with reports of airstrikes in several districts of the capital.

U.S. fighter jet downed over Iran, search underway for missing pilot

On Friday, April 3, a two-seater U.S. F-15E fighter........

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