Race to rescue US pilot from downed fighter jet as Tehran promises 'precious prize' for capture

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One crew member was rescued from the US F-15E fighter jet, but the other is believed to still be behind enemy lines. Iran is offering a "precious prize" for the pilot's capture.

An anchor of a local channel of Iranian state television in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province read the following announcement: "If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police, you will receive a precious prize."

The channel initially urged its viewers, if they saw Americans, to "shoot them as soon as you see them", but then changed its instructions to ask for co-operation, based on a police statement.

In one widely circulated example, Iranian outlets reported on a reward of around £50,000 ($66,100).

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Iran said it shot down a second US warplane over the Gulf, which US media said was an A-10 Warthog.

It was reportedly shot at during a search-and-rescue mission for the first downed aircraft. The Warthog's pilot ejected over the Gulf and was subsequently rescued.

Donald Trump says negotiations to end the Iran war won't be affected by the latest events.

Asked by NBC if Friday's events would affect any peace discussions, the US leader said: "No, not at all.

"No, it's war. We're in war."

Video footage shared on social media has shown armed Iranian men firing at US helicopters searching for the pilot.

The video shows three men wearing white shirts and black trousers jumping out of a car beside a field in southwestern Iran. 

As one low-flying helicopter passes by, the men open fire with what appear to be automatic rifles.

The person filming says: "Shoot, shoot. Well done! Shoot.”