US forces have successfully rescued both crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran on Friday, President Donald Trump announced Sunday, calling it one of the most daring search and rescue operations in American military history.
The second pilot, a weapons systems officer described as a colonel, was extracted from mountainous terrain in Iran's southwestern provinces after evading capture for more than two days. Trump had delayed announcing the first pilot's rescue to avoid compromising the second operation.
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
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
Iran immediately disputed the rescue narrative, claiming its forces destroyed multiple US aircraft during the operation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it shot down a C-130 transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the rescue mission.
The conflicting accounts highlight the propaganda battle accompanying the broader US-Israel conflict with Iran that began February 28. Trump described the operation as involving dozens of aircraft with advanced weaponry, while Iranian officials characterized it as a failed American incursion.
French outlets frame this as a dramatic military rescue operation while emphasizing the broader regional escalation and humanitarian concerns. They present both US and Iranian claims without taking sides, reflecting France's traditional diplomatic balancing act in Middle Eastern conflicts and its preference for multilateral de-escalation.
Australian coverage focuses on the conflicting military narratives and regional security implications, particularly the threat to global energy supplies. As a US ally with significant trade interests in the region, Australian outlets emphasize the economic disruption while maintaining measured reporting on military claims from both sides.
Pakistani media emphasizes the escalatory nature of US military operations and Trump's ultimatums, framing the rescue as part of broader American aggression in the region. Given Pakistan's complex relationship with both Iran and the US, coverage highlights diplomatic stalemate and warns against further military escalation.
Spanish coverage presents the rescue as a significant military achievement while questioning the broader strategic wisdom of the US-Iran conflict. European outlets tend to emphasize diplomatic solutions and express concern about the humanitarian and economic consequences of prolonged regional warfare.
Portuguese media highlights the contradictory claims about the rescue operation while focusing on the broader pattern of escalation and failed diplomacy. As a NATO member with limited Middle Eastern involvement, coverage emphasizes the need for international mediation and the risks of further military confrontation.
American commandos carried out a risky mission in Iran to extract an injured crew member who bailed out when a U.S. fighter jet was shot down on Friday.
U.S. Rescues Downed Air Force Officer Deep Inside Iran, Trump Says - The New York Times
There was "engagement" between US and Iranian forces during the rescue mission, the BBC understands.
Trump says missing US crew member from downed jet rescued in 'daring' operation in Iran - BBC News
Regional Iranian officials have denied reports that one of the pilots from the downed American aircraft has been found and arrested.
U.S. F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran, search and rescue mission underway, officials say
The rescue operations unfolded against escalating regional tensions. Iranian drone attacks struck energy infrastructure across the Gulf on Sunday, damaging power plants in Kuwait and oil facilities in Bahrain and the UAE. No casualties were reported from these strikes.
Trump has maintained a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating consequences. The waterway remains closed to international shipping, disrupting global energy markets and contributing to rising fuel prices worldwide.
Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them
Donald Trump, US President — Truth Social
Iranian military commanders responded defiantly to Trump's threats. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi warned that attacking Iranian infrastructure would open "the doors of hell" and threatened retaliation against US military facilities throughout the region.
The F-15 downing marked the first US aircraft loss over Iranian territory since the conflict began. Iran also shot down a US A-10 attack aircraft Friday, though that pilot successfully ejected over friendly territory.
Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure, prompting warnings of potential war crimes. The conflict has killed thousands, disrupted global shipping routes, and sent energy prices soaring as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.