Iran's foreign ministry has alleged that a U.S. military operation to recover a downed airman this week may have been a cover to "steal enriched uranium" from the country, escalating tensions amid ongoing regional instability. The accusation follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on Sunday detailing a "daring" rescue of a second F-15E crew member whose aircraft crashed over Iran on Friday.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated Monday there were "many questions and uncertainties" about the operation, particularly regarding the discrepancy between the pilot's alleged location in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province and U.S. forces' attempted landing in central Iran. "The possibility that this was a deception operation to steal enriched uranium should not be ignored at all," Baqaei emphasized.
Iran's military claimed the mission was "completely foiled," with several U.S. aircraft reportedly forced to make emergency landings in southern Isfahan province after sustaining damage. State media released images of smoke rising from areas near Tehran today, attributed to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes earlier in the day.
The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of Iran's nuclear program and its uranium enrichment activities. Analysts suggest the public accusations reflect deepening mistrust between the two nations, with implications for ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
