‘We’re In War’: Trump's Reaction After 2 US Fighter Jets Downed By Iran, Claims It Won't Affect Diplomatic Talks

US President Donald Trump reassured the public that the downing of a US Air Force F-15E fighter jet by Iran will not derail diplomatic efforts, even as the search continues for a missing crew member, according to a report by NBC News.

“No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war," Trump said in a brief interview, dismissing concerns that the incident could affect negotiations.

This marks the first time Trump has publicly addressed the loss of a US aircraft in the ongoing conflict. He refused to provide details on the search-and-rescue operation for the missing crew member, citing the sensitivity of the situation.

Two US Jets Downed in West Asia

The president’s comments come after two US military aircraft went down in separate incidents in West Asia on Friday, raising tensions in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran. One crew member was rescued, while search efforts continue for the second. Reports differ on the missing member’s status, with some suggesting he may be in Iranian custody.

ALSO READ: US Launches Search Op For Two Pilots After Fighter Jet Shot Down In Iran, Says Report

Iran Refuses To Meet US Officials In Pakistan

As the conflict entered its 36th day on April 4, regional mediation efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reportedly reached a dead end, according to the Wall Street Journal, which reported on Friday.

The push, led by Pakistan, has failed to yield a breakthrough, with Tehran formally notifying mediators that it is unwilling to send officials to Islamabad for talks in the coming days.

Iran has also stressed that it finds Washington's demands unacceptable, effectively closing off the current framework for negotiations.

ALSO READ: Israel-US-Iran War: Tehran Dismisses Pakistan Mediation Push, Calls US Demands Unacceptable

The breakdown has left diplomatic efforts in limbo, prompting Turkey and Egypt to look beyond Islamabad for solutions. The two countries are now exploring alternative venues to host the talks, with Qatar and Istanbul emerging as the leading candidates to salvage what remains of the ceasefire push.

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran have been in talks about a possible deal that would trade a ceasefire in exchange for Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios.