Trump Discloses Successful Iran Rescue of Downed Jet Crew

President Donald Trump disclosed details of a large-scale U.S. military rescue operation in Iran during a White House press conference on April 6, confirming the successful recovery of two crew members from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet amid escalating tensions with Tehran.

The aircraft was shot down over Iranian territory earlier in the week, prompting the rapid deployment of U.S. forces. The pilot was rescued within hours of ejecting, while the second crew member, a highly respected colonel and weapon systems officer, evaded capture for nearly 48 hours in rugged mountainous terrain. Injured and bleeding, the officer scaled cliffs, treated his own wounds and used a sophisticated locator device to signal his position to American forces, according to Trump. Military officials described the mission as one of the most complex and dangerous in recent U.S. history, involving operations deep inside hostile territory where aircraft came under fire during extraction efforts.

Trump detailed the operation's scope during the briefing, stating it mobilized hundreds of personnel and 155 aircraft, including four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers and 13 rescue helicopters....