U.S. forces conducted a daring search and rescue operation in Iran after an F-15E fighter jet was shot down on Friday, marking the first loss of a U.S. warplane in the six-week-long conflict. Initially, one pilot was rescued, while a second crew member remained missing, prompting a frantic, multi-day search.
President Trump announced Sunday that both airmen have been safely recovered, calling one rescue “miraculous” and “one of the most daring” in U.S. history. Officials reported the rescued airman sustained injuries but is expected to recover. The operation involved a race against time and Iranian forces, with reports of strikes during the rescue resulting in casualties.
The search focused on a mountainous region in southwestern Iran, as Iranian media reported widespread efforts to locate the missing airman. While Iran claims to have downed two U.S. planes, including one involved in the rescue operation, U.S. officials confirmed the successful recovery of both crew members from the F-15E.