An Iranian air force F-4 Phantom jet crashed during a nighttime training exercise in the Nowbaran district, killing one pilot and injuring another. The incident occurred overnight on Thursday, with rescue teams immediately dispatched to the crash site. Deputy Governor Hamzeh Emraei confirmed the accident and stated that details remain under investigation.

Iranian state media identified the deceased pilot as Captain Mehdi Firouzmand, while reporting that the second pilot survived the crash. The F-4 Phantom, a twin-engine jet interceptor developed in the 1950s, has been part of Iran's air force inventory since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The aircraft has seen numerous crashes over the decades due to aging airframes and maintenance challenges stemming from international sanctions.

This crash highlights ongoing safety concerns with Iran's aging military aircraft fleet. The incident comes amid broader tensions in the region and follows a pattern of military aviation accidents in Iran, often attributed to equipment obsolescence and restricted access to replacement parts. The investigation into this latest crash will likely examine both mechanical and operational factors.