Second US combat plane targeted by Iran crashes near Strait of Hormuz: Report

A US A-10 Warthog combat plane has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian state media reporting its air defense systems targeted the aircraft. According to reports, the lone pilot was rescued, but two US helicopters involved in the rescue effort also came under Iranian fire. This incident follows the recent downing of a US F-15E fighter jet by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over southwestern Iran. The US has sent thousands of troops to the region amid speculation of a potential ground operation to seize Iranian islands in the strategic strait.