Both crew members of a U.S. F-15E fighter jet downed in southern Iran on April 3 have been successfully rescued following a high-stakes operation, officials confirmed on April 5. The rescue involved a "heavy firefight," according to U.S. authorities, with former President Donald Trump announcing the outcome on his Truth Social platform.
While one crew member was extracted shortly after the crash, the second pilot sustained injuries before being recovered. Trump emphasized both are now "safe and sound," with no U.S. casualties reported during the missions. The incident marks one of the most direct confrontations between U.S. and Iranian forces in recent years.
In a conflicting claim, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated through the Tasnim news agency that a U.S. aircraft involved in search operations was also downed. Analysts warn the incident could further strain relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
