A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, marking the first confirmed loss of an American manned combat aircraft since the outbreak of direct hostilities between the United States and Iran in late February 2026, U.S. officials and multiple news outlets reported.

The incident, confirmed by U.S. sources to CNN and CBS News, triggered an immediate combat search-and-rescue operation for the jet’s two crew members. Iranian state media claimed responsibility, releasing photos of wreckage that analysts identified as consistent with an F-15E rather than the F-35 initially touted by Tehran. One crew member has reportedly been rescued, while efforts continue for the second, according to CBS News citing U.S. officials.

Here are 10 key facts about the aircraft, the incident and its broader context as the U.S.-Iran conflict enters a dangerous new phase.

1. The Aircraft: A Proven Workhorse Now Lost in Combat The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat, all-weather strike fighter derived from the original F-15 Eagle air superiority jet. Built by Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas), it entered service in 1988 and is renowned for its twin Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, allowing speeds over Mach 2.5 and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles with external tanks. The “E” model adds conformal fuel tanks, advanced radar and weapons systems for deep interdiction and close air support missions. Prior to Friday, the F-15 family had never been lost in air-to-air combat, a record that made the jet symbolically “undefeated” until this reported engagement.
2. First Confirmed U.S. Manned Aircraft Loss in the Current Conflict U.S. officials described the downing as the initial verified combat loss of a manned U.S. aircraft since Operation Epic Fury commenced in late February. Earlier Iranian claims of F-15 shootdowns near Hormuz Island in March were repeatedly denied by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that more than 8,000 combat sorties had been flown without loss to Iranian fire. Friday’s incident changes that calculus, escalating the stakes in a war that has already involved widespread airstrikes on Iranian targets.
3. Iranian Claim vs. Initial Reporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state media initially asserted they had downed a stealthy F-35 using advanced air defenses. Photos and video released by Iranian outlets, however, showed debris — including tail sections and fuselage components — matching the non-stealth F-15E configuration, according to CNN analysis and aviation experts. The discrepancy highlights ongoing information warfare, with Tehran seeking to portray a major technological victory.
4. Location and Mission Context The jet came down over Iranian territory, with some reports pointing to southwestern or central regions amid active U.S. strike operations. The F-15E was likely conducting a deep-strike or suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses mission when hit, possibly by a surface-to-air missile. Exact details remain classified, but the loss occurred during intensified operations against Iranian military and nuclear-related sites.
5. Crew Status: Partial Rescue Underway The F-15E carries a pilot and weapons systems officer (WSO). U.S. forces launched an urgent search-and-rescue effort involving UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and HC-130J Combat King II tankers, with footage circulating of low-level operations near or inside Iranian airspace. One crew member was rescued by American forces as of Friday afternoon, per CBS reports; the second remains missing, prompting continued operations and Iranian appeals for civilians to assist in a possible capture.
6. Iran’s Air Defense Systems in Play Iran credits its integrated air defense network, including Russian-supplied S-300 systems and domestically developed variants such as the Bavar-373, for the successful engagement. Whether the F-15E was struck by a long-range missile or shorter-range system has not been publicly detailed. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of U.S. electronic warfare and stealth tactics against Iran’s layered defenses in a high-threat environment.
7. Broader Conflict Timeline The U.S.-Iran war escalated after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian facilities. Previous F-15E losses occurred in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwait in early March, when three Strike Eagles were mistakenly downed by allied defenses — all crews ejected safely. Friday’s event marks the first direct enemy-action loss inside Iran, shifting the narrative from operational mishaps to combat vulnerability.
8. Strategic and Symbolic Impact Losing an F-15E does not alter overall U.S. air superiority, given the large numbers deployed and advanced capabilities of accompanying F-22s, F-35s and support aircraft. However, it provides Iran with propaganda value and could embolden its proxies while forcing U.S. planners to reassess risk profiles for manned missions over heavily defended territory. Pentagon officials have not yet commented publicly on adjustments to tactics.
9. Human and Operational Costs Both crew members are trained in survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) techniques. If the second airman remains in Iranian hands, the situation could evolve into a hostage crisis with significant diplomatic and political ramifications in Washington. Rescue operations themselves carry risk, as evidenced by videos showing U.S. helicopters operating in contested airspace. No fatalities have been reported, but the psychological toll on aircrews flying subsequent missions is expected to be notable.
10. Ongoing Information Battle and Geopolitical Ripple Effects The incident has ignited a fresh round of competing narratives. Iranian television broadcast images of wreckage and ejection seats while offering rewards for information on the crew. U.S. sources confirmed the loss but provided limited details, consistent with operational security during active conflict. The downing comes as global oil markets react nervously to threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and as allies monitor potential escalation involving other regional actors. Analysts warn that such losses could prolong the conflict or push both sides toward riskier decisions.

The F-15E’s loss underscores the dangers inherent in sustained air operations against a determined adversary equipped with modern air defenses. While the U.S. maintains overwhelming technological and numerical advantages in the theater, the event serves as a reminder that no platform is invulnerable.

As rescue efforts continue and investigations into the exact circumstances begin, the Pentagon and White House face mounting pressure to balance aggressive campaign objectives with force protection. Iranian claims of further successes will likely proliferate, requiring careful verification amid the fog of war.

Military experts note that the F-15E remains a highly capable platform with decades of upgrades, including the latest APG-82 radar and advanced targeting pods. Its downing does not signal a collapse of U.S. air dominance but highlights the need for continued adaptation in electronic attack, standoff weapons and unmanned systems to minimize future risks to pilots.

The incident also revives debate over the role of manned fighters versus stealthier, unmanned alternatives in peer-level conflicts. For now, however, the focus remains on recovering the missing crew member and supporting the family of those involved.

This developing story has implications far beyond the cockpit. With tensions high and diplomacy stalled, the loss of the F-15E could influence congressional oversight of the conflict, public opinion and long-term U.S. posture in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command has not released an official statement detailing the cause or full circumstances as of early Saturday. Pentagon spokespeople declined immediate comment beyond confirming search-and-rescue activities.

As Easter weekend observances unfolded in the United States, the news added a somber note to an already volatile global landscape. Further updates are expected as more information emerges from the field and from official channels.

Paula White Cain, President Donald Trump’s longtime spiritual adviser and head of the White House Faith Office, has called on Christians to honor God by tithing the first 10% of their gross income to her ministry, which directs part of the funds toward humanitarian and reconstruction projects in Israel.

In a YouTube video released Sunday during Holy Week, White Cain framed the appeal as a biblical obligation rather than a voluntary offering. “I believe that it’s so important to honor God with his tithe. An offering, that’s free will,” she said, according to footage reviewed by multiple news outlets.

White Cain, also known as Paula White, highlighted her ministry’s work rebuilding a moshav — a small farming community — near the Gaza border devastated by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. She has long positioned support for Israel as a scriptural imperative, citing the Jewish people as “God’s chosen people” and urging believers to “stand with Israel” in what she described as a pivotal moment in history.

“This isn’t about politics; this is about living in harmony with the WORD of God!” she has said in past messages tied to the Israel-Hamas war.

The video has sparked widespread debate and criticism online and among faith leaders, with some accusing White Cain of blending religious teaching with fundraising that benefits her organization while leveraging geopolitical tensions. Others defend it as consistent with evangelical support for Israel and traditional tithing principles.

White Cain’s ministry, Paula White Ministries, promotes the tithe as the “first tenth of your gross income” given to God through the organization. Funds support various causes, including aid for single mothers, victims of human trafficking, prisoners and the hungry — as well as Israeli relief efforts, according to her statements.

Critics, including Baptist News Global, noted that most Christian churches teach tithing as support for a local congregation, not a televangelist’s international ministry. Some social media users and commentators labeled the appeal a “grift,” pointing to White Cain’s history of high-profile fundraising, such as a previous offer of “seven Easter blessings” for a $1,000 gift.

The ministry’s most recent IRS filings reported relatively modest income of about $166,810 for 2024, with a significant portion going toward White Cain’s compensation, according to reports. White Cain has not publicly responded to the latest wave of criticism as of Thursday.

Supporters view the message as an extension of Christian Zionism, a belief held by many evangelicals that backing Israel fulfills biblical prophecy. White Cain has served as a key faith figure for Trump since his first presidential campaign, praying at his inaugurations and events. She played a role in the administration’s faith initiatives and recently was involved in decisions on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, including the removal of a member who reportedly called Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide.”

The timing of the video — amid ongoing regional conflicts, including tensions with Iran, rising U.S. gas prices above $4 a gallon in some areas and shifting American public opinion on Israel — has amplified the backlash. Polls cited in recent coverage show unfavorable views of Israel among Americans rising to 53% from 42% in 2022.

White Cain’s appeal distinguishes between the mandatory tithe and free-will offerings. She has tied donor contributions directly to tangible aid, such as rebuilding efforts in communities hit on Oct. 7, when militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 hostages. The ensuing war in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities there, and drawn international scrutiny.

Evangelical leaders have long advocated for strong U.S.-Israel ties, with figures like the Rev. John Hagee and organizations such as Christians United for Israel emphasizing Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you.” White Cain echoes this theology but directs giving specifically through her nonprofit rather than Israeli government channels or established charities.

Theology professors and ethicists have weighed in on the broader debate over tithing in modern Christianity. While the Old Testament prescribes a 10% tithe, New Testament teachings often emphasize cheerful, generous giving without a strict percentage mandate. Critics argue that prosperity gospel influences — with which White Cain has been associated — can pressure followers, especially lower-income believers, by linking financial obedience to divine favor or protection from “disobeying God.”

One X user summarized the viral sentiment: “Imagine your spiritual adviser telling you to Venmo another country 10% of your paycheck or you’re disobeying God.” Others clarified that donations go to the ministry, not directly to Israel, but acknowledged the framing links the two closely.

White Cain rose to prominence as a televangelist with a megachurch background in Florida before moving to national influence. She has authored books on faith and prosperity and maintains a large online following. Her close association with Trump includes leading prayers at the Jan. 6, 2021, rally and serving in advisory roles during his presidency and campaign.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on White Cain’s video or her dual role as presidential adviser and ministry leader. Trump has consistently voiced strong support for Israel, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem during his first term and brokering the Abraham Accords normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

As the video circulates, reactions split along familiar lines. Conservative Christian voices praised the call to biblical fidelity and solidarity with Israel amid threats from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Progressive Christians and secular commentators questioned the ethics of a White House faith official soliciting significant personal donations framed around foreign policy and divine mandate.

Country singer Stella Parton previously called out a similar fundraising effort by White Cain as a “grifter scam.” Online forums like Reddit’s r/Christianity hosted threads debating whether the statement accurately represents Christian doctrine or exploits followers.

Financial experts advise potential donors to review nonprofit filings, evaluate transparency and consider tax implications before committing to large recurring gifts. Tithing 10% of gross income can represent thousands of dollars annually for middle-class households, particularly in an economy facing inflation pressures.

White Cain’s message concludes with thanks to “generous and liberal givers” and a blessing for continued divine favor. Her ministry accepts donations via multiple platforms, including online giving portals.

The controversy arrives as Trump navigates his second term, with faith outreach remaining a cornerstone of his political base. White Cain’s influence underscores the intersection of religion, politics and philanthropy in American public life.

Whether the appeal boosts her ministry’s coffers or further polarizes public discourse remains to be seen. For now, it has reignited debates over the proper role of spiritual advisers in government, the boundaries of religious fundraising and Christian responsibilities toward Israel in a complex global landscape.

Birgit Seeger
CEO & Chairman of Management Board

Very warm welcome to all of you. Good afternoon, good morning to this year’s earnings call 2025 for NORMA Group. With me today, I have Okan Celiker, our acting Group CFO. Very warm welcome to you, Okan. It’s Okan’s second day. So I’m convinced Okan will present the financials in a very good manner and will ask your — and answer your questions. Please be patient with Okan. So today, we will include basically 3 points. We will review our results 2025. We will provide the outlook for 2026. And we will, number three, give a sneak preview for our strategy for the new NORMA Group. So on the next page, you see our usual disclaimer. One important thing to note is that we have continuing and discontinued operations due to our divestment of the Water business, and we have marked this clearly as former NORMA or new NORMA in the presentation going ahead. So we will see here a summary of our achievements in 2025.

So basically, we see the closing of the water management, the divestment on the top right corner, which really marks a milestone for us at NORMA Group, where we achieved EUR 650 million of net proceeds, and this is a great enabler to build new NORMA. We will propose a dividend of EUR 0.14 per share at the next AGM this year. Also, we delivered on our guidance. However, it was a very tough and challenging year for new Norma, what we will review shortly. We have conducted this public share buyback. You are aware, and

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SYDNEY — Australia’s retail heart continues beating strongly in Sydney, where the 10 biggest shopping malls by gross leasable area (GLA) are delivering robust sales performance and attracting millions of visitors annually as of early 2026, even as industry-wide productivity gains and targeted redevelopments reshape the sector.

Westfield Parramatta leads the pack in New South Wales as the state’s largest shopping centre, with approximately 140,070 square meters of GLA, according to updated industry compilations. The western Sydney destination houses around 500 stores, including major anchors like David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths and Event Cinemas, serving a broad suburban catchment.

Macquarie Centre in Macquarie Park follows closely with about 138,500 square meters of GLA, making it one of the largest enclosed malls in the greater Sydney region. Owned through a partnership involving superannuation funds after a 2025 transaction, the centre features Myer, Big W, Kmart, Coles, Woolworths and Event Cinemas. Its convenient Metro access from Chatswood and Epping has helped sustain high foot traffic.

Westfield Warringah Mall in Brookvale ranks third among Sydney centres with roughly 132,102 square meters. The northern beaches landmark maintains an open-air feel while offering David Jones, Myer, Big W, Target and a strong mix of specialty retailers. Scentre Group has explored rezoning options that could integrate residential towers in future stages, reflecting broader trends of mixed-use development around major malls.

Westfield Bondi Junction, a premium eastern suburbs destination, comes in with approximately 126,895 square meters of GLA. Known for its luxury and fashion focus, it recorded strong sales in 2025 and ranked as the highest-performing NSW centre in national turnover lists. Recent redevelopment stages have enhanced its offering, including refreshed department store spaces.

Westfield Miranda in the south, often called Westfield Miranda, spans around 124,000 square meters. Anchored by Myer, David Jones, Big W, Kmart and Target, it serves southern Sydney residents and continues to perform solidly within Scentre Group’s portfolio.

Other notable large centres include Westfield Burwood and Stockland Green Hills, both of which posted some of the highest year-on-year productivity growth (MAT per square meter) in the 2026 Big Guns report by Shopping Centre News, with increases of 13.2% and 13.5% respectively for the 2025 reporting period.

Westfield Sydney in the central business district, while smaller in pure GLA at around 91,765 to 97,453 square meters depending on measurement, punches above its weight in sales productivity. It achieved specialty MAT per square meter of $26,949 in 2025 data — second only to Chadstone nationally — and welcomed an additional 6,000 square meters of luxury retail in 2025, including new boutiques for Chanel, Moncler and Omega. The centre recorded about $1.157 billion in total annual retail sales and 34.9 million customer visits.

In January 2026, Australian Retirement Trust acquired a 19.9% stake in Westfield Sydney for A$864 million, underscoring institutional confidence in prime CBD retail assets.

Rounding out a typical top 10 list of Sydney-area malls by size are centres such as Westfield Penrith (around 92,000 square meters) in the west and others like Top Ryde City or Broadway Sydney, which excel in productivity or niche offerings despite varying GLA figures.

The 2026 Big Guns report highlighted continued strength in Australia’s major shopping centres, with record numbers achieving billion-dollar moving annual turnover (MAT) figures for 2025. While national leaders like Chadstone ($2.7 billion MAT) dominate overall rankings, Sydney centres such as Westfield Bondi Junction, Westfield Sydney, Westfield Miranda and Westfield Parramatta consistently featured in the national top 10 for sales performance.

Industry analysts attribute the resilience to a combination of experiential retail, luxury and fashion offerings, and convenient locations. Physical retail has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with big malls benefiting from omnichannel strategies where online research leads to in-store purchases.

Data centre and infrastructure demands linked to broader economic trends, including AI adoption, have indirectly supported retail through increased employment in surrounding areas, though malls themselves focus on consumer spending.

Challenges persist. Rising construction costs and planning hurdles have slowed some expansions, while online competition and cost-of-living pressures affect discretionary spending. However, centres with strong anchors and entertainment options — cinemas, dining precincts and events — have weathered these conditions better.

Scentre Group, owner-operator of most Westfield malls in Sydney, continues investing in reconfigurations. At Westfield Bondi Junction and others, department store spaces are being repurposed for more productive uses, including additional specialty retail and experiential zones.

Smaller but iconic destinations like the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), The Galeries, World Square and Pitt Street Mall complement the big-box malls. These CBD and heritage sites draw tourists and locals for high-end and specialty shopping, with Pitt Street Mall remaining one of Australia’s most expensive retail strips.

The Sydney Outlet Village in Liverpool represents a newer addition to the retail landscape, focusing on outlet-style bargains rather than traditional enclosed mall formats.

Looking ahead in 2026, analysts expect modest GLA growth through infill developments and reconfigurations rather than entirely new mega-malls. Mixed-use projects incorporating residential towers above or beside retail — as proposed at Warringah Mall — could become more common as governments push housing supply near transport hubs.

Sustainability features, such as improved energy efficiency and EV charging, are increasingly standard in mall upgrades to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers.

Visitor numbers remain high. Westfield Sydney alone sees tens of millions of annual visits, while suburban centres benefit from being community hubs with medical, banking and government services co-located.

Retail employment in these large centres supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, contributing to Sydney’s economy amid broader productivity discussions around technology adoption.

For shoppers, the variety is vast: luxury fashion in Westfield Sydney and Bondi Junction, everyday essentials and family entertainment in Parramatta or Macquarie Centre, and beach lifestyle vibes at Warringah Mall.

Tourists often combine mall visits with nearby attractions — Sydney Tower at Westfield Sydney, beaches near Bondi Junction, or parklands around northern and western centres.

Parking remains a key consideration, with most large malls offering thousands of spaces, though public transport access via train, bus and Metro is promoted to reduce congestion.

As Sydney’s population grows, particularly in western and southwestern corridors, demand for quality retail space is expected to rise, potentially supporting further investment in existing assets.

The strong 2025 sales figures released in the 2026 Big Guns analysis suggest confidence is returning, with big malls proving their enduring appeal in an era of digital disruption.

Whether seeking high fashion, household goods or a family day out, Sydney’s top 10 shopping malls by size continue to anchor the city’s retail scene, blending scale with evolving consumer experiences.

• Westfield Parramatta (Parramatta) — Approximately 140,070 m² GLA. Features around 425–500 retailers including David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths, and Event Cinemas. It ranks as NSW’s largest shopping centre and recorded strong annual sales exceeding A$1 billion.
• Macquarie Centre (Macquarie Park) — Approximately 138,500 m² GLA. Anchored by Myer, Big W, Kmart, Coles, Woolworths, and Event Cinemas. Well-served by Metro and popular with northern suburbs shoppers.
• Westfield Warringah Mall (Brookvale) — Approximately 132,102 m² GLA. Offers David Jones, Myer, Big W, Target, and a mix of specialty stores with an open-air vibe on the northern beaches.
• Westfield Bondi Junction (Bondi Junction) — Approximately 126,895–131,510 m² GLA. A premium eastern suburbs destination known for luxury and fashion, with strong sales performance and recent redevelopments.
• Westfield Miranda (Miranda) — Approximately 124,000 m² GLA. Serves southern Sydney with anchors including Myer, David Jones, Big W, Kmart, and Target.
• Westfield Burwood (Burwood) — One of the high-productivity centres in Sydney’s inner west, noted for strong year-on-year sales growth in 2025 data.
• Westfield Sydney (Sydney CBD) — Approximately 91,765–97,453 m² GLA (smaller in size but exceptionally high productivity). Recorded specialty MAT per square metre of around $26,949 in 2025, with luxury additions and over 34 million annual visits.
• Westfield Penrith (Penrith) — Approximately 92,000 m² GLA. Major western Sydney hub with Myer, Big W, Target, and broad retail offering.
• Top Ryde City (Ryde) — A growing centre in the northern suburbs with solid GLA and convenient location.
• Broadway Sydney (Ultimo/Glebe) — High productivity performer despite more compact size, popular for its urban mix of retail, dining, and entertainment near the University of Technology Sydney.