US President Donald Trump has announced the successful rescue of a missing pilot whose F-15 fighter jet was downed over Iran, calling it “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History.” The second crew member from the downed F-15E Strike Eagle has been rescued and is now safely out of the country, capping a complex mission in enemy territory.
“We got him,” Trump announced on Truth Social, confirming the pilot is “safe and sound.”
The Rescue Operation
| Aircraft | F-15E Strike Eagle (downed on Friday) |
| Location | Iran (treacherous mountains) |
| Timeline | Pilot evaded capture for two days |
| Iranian Reward | $60,000 for anyone who captured him alive |
| US Operation | Dozens of aircraft; fierce firefight during recovery |
| Pilot’s Condition | Injured but “will be just fine” |
Trump said the Pentagon had been monitoring the officer “24 hours a day” and “diligently planning for his rescue.” The military sent “dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the world to retrieve him.”
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump wrote.
A Complex Mission Under Fire
A US government official told Al Jazeera that the missing airman was located overnight after evading Iranian authorities for two days. Iranian officials had known where the US believed the crew member was, adding urgency to the operation.
Things didn’t go as planned, and a fierce firefight broke out during the US forces’ recovery attempt. The operation remained perilous, with both the pilot and rescue team exposed to ongoing hostilities.
First Downed Aircraft of the War
Iranian officials had claimed that the US military’s F-15E Strike Eagle was brought down by its air defences on Friday, marking the first such incident since the war began five weeks ago.
Both American and Iranian military launched frantic searches:
- US aim: Bring crew members to safety
- Iranian aim: Use them as leverage
While one pilot was quickly rescued, the search for the other—a weapons systems officer—continued until this successful operation.
Trump’s Warning to Iran
| Trump’s Warning | “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.” |
| Demand | Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz |
| Iran’s Response | “The doors of hell will be opened to you” if Iran’s infrastructure is attacked |
Trump turned up the pressure on Iran, renewing demands that it reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, or face severe consequences.
Tehran responded with a warning of its own. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the country’s joint military command threatened US military-linked infrastructure in the region.
US Casualties in the War
Beyond the loss of two advanced aircraft, the war has taken a significant toll on US forces:
- Killed: At least 13 American service members
- Wounded: About 300 since the campaign began
