US President Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of an American colonel who was trapped behind enemy lines in Iran, calling it one of the “most daring” search and rescue operations in US history. The colonel sustained injuries but is reported to be safe and recovering.
Trump said the officer was located in the “treacherous mountains of Iran” after his F-15 fighter jet was shot down, and dozens of US aircraft were deployed to extract him under heavy enemy pursuit. The operation marked a critical moment in the ongoing war with Iran.
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The United States confirmed the airman’s recovery, resolving a tense situation following the downing of the two-person F-15 crew. The first pilot had already been rescued, prompting a high-profile search for the remaining colonel, who was successfully retrieved deep inside Iranian territory.
The mission faced significant resistance, with two Black Hawk helicopters taking fire and an A-10 Warthog fighter crashing over Kuwait. Despite these challenges, no American casualties were reported, highlighting the operation’s precision and US air superiority in Iranian skies.
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Trump celebrated the achievement as proof of “overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority,” emphasizing that both pilots were rescued without any fatalities. He framed the success as a significant morale boost amid an escalating conflict and global scrutiny of the US-Iran war.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences. Iranian officials mocked the ultimatum, labeling it “ranting,” while the conflict continues to dominate international attention.