President Donald Trump hailed the dramatic rescue of an injured American airman deep in Iran, calling it a major military success.
“We rescued a seriously injured and truly brave F-15 crew member… deep in the mountains of Iran,” Trump posted this on Truth Social.
He described the operation as “An amazing display of courage and talent”.
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The CIA’s “deception campaign” gained crucial time
According to Fox News, the Central Intelligence Agency ran a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces.
The agency allegedly spread false information that one of the downed airmen had already been rescued and moved by sea, buying time to find the other crew member.
“There was a lot at stake here,” said a senior official.
Initial fears of Iran ‘trap’
The rescue mission began after the CIA intercepted a distress signal that was relayed to the Pentagon and the White House.
But officials initially feared the beacon might be an Iranian trap.
Once verified to be real, advanced tracking and technical capabilities were used to locate the squadron.
“Within eight hours we had planes moving … in almost 12 hours we were on the ground in Iran,” the source said.
A massive military operation to secure mining
The US deployed significant firepower to protect the stranded airman. MQ-9 Reaper drones were used to secure the area, targeting any potential threats in the vicinity.
“We conducted several large-scale strikes … using all the tactical jets in the US inventory and B-1 bombers to keep him safe,” a senior US official said.
A rare and high risk mission
Trump emphasized the complexity and danger of the operation.
“This type of raid is rarely carried out due to the danger to ‘man and equipment’.” It’s just not done!” he said.
He added that a previous mission had already rescued a pilot in daylight – another unusual step.
“One of the bravest” rescues in US history
In an earlier statement, Trump called the operation “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history.”
“This brave warrior has been behind enemy lines… pursued by our enemies… but never truly alone,” he said.
Iran claims casualties caused during the mission
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that several US aircraft were destroyed during the rescue operation, according to state media.
An Iranian military spokesman claimed that a C-130 transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters were downed. These claims have not been independently verified.
Israeli intelligence support acknowledged
An Israeli security official told Reuters that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had helped find the missing officer and confirmed that the distress signal was not a trap.
“All Israelis rejoice at the incredible rescue… This proves that when free societies muster the courage… they can overcome the forces of darkness and terror,” Netanyahu said.
A rescue amid escalating Iran-US tensions
The operation comes at a time of rising tensions between the US and Iran following the reported downing of an F-15 fighter jet.
The rescued airman was one of two crew members of the plane that Iran reportedly shot down.
Trump associates success with a new ultimatum
Even as he celebrated the rescue, Trump issued a new warning to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day… Open the Straits… or live in hell,” he wrote.
An important moment for diplomacy and conflict
The high-risk rescue underscores both US military prowess and the escalating confrontation with Iran.
With deadlines looming and rhetoric escalating, the situation remains volatile—balancing between a diplomatic solution and the threat of further military escalation.
Read also | Trump warns of Tuesday strikes on Iranian infrastructure amid Hormuz blockade
