WSJ What’s News U.S. Rescues One of Two Crew Members From Jet Downed in Iran
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Apr 3, 2026 
Shelby Holliday, senior national security correspondent covering the downed F-15E and search-and-rescue updates. Matt Grossman, economics reporter explaining the surprisingly strong March jobs numbers and Fed implications. Juan Forero, South America bureau chief on investors touring post-Maduro Venezuela. They discuss the jet loss and rescue, what it reveals about Iran, the March payrolls, and renewed investor interest in Venezuela.
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U.S. F-15E Downed Over Iran And Propaganda Impact
- An American F-15E was downed over Iran and one crew member was rescued while the second remained missing for hours.
- Shelby Holliday reported Iran shot the jet, showcased the rescue effort, and Iran used the event for propaganda claiming a symbolic victory.
Iran Uses Shootdown As Propaganda Win
- Iran framed the shootdown as a victory and used social posts to taunt the U.S., amplifying the psychological impact.
- Former Air Force officials told Shelby it's surprising a jet hadn't been downed earlier after 13,000 combat flights.
Iran Still Capable Despite Reduced Strike Rates
- Despite diminished missile and drone activity, Iran retains capacity to strike U.S. aircraft and remain a capable adversary.
- Shelby noted drone and missile strikes were down about 90% yet Iran continues to contest airspace and present a wake-up call.