A US fighter jet has been shot down by Iran, Axios reported Friday.

Citing Iranian media and a source familiar with the incident, Axios said if confirmed, it would be the first time since the beginning of the war that a US jet was downed by "enemy" fire.

Earlier, Iranian state media released photos and videos that allegedly show debris from the crash site, including what appears to be parts of the aircraft and one of the ejection seats.

Initial assessments based on the imagery suggest the aircraft may have been an F-15 fighter jet.

In Washington, the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Anadolu.

Separately, citing people familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal reported that a search-and-rescue operation was underway for the crew of the jet fighter. (AA)