The United States has rescued an airman who was stranded behind enemy lines after his F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iran, resolving a high-stakes situation for President Donald Trump as the war with Iran enters its sixth week.
The rescue marks a rare positive development in a conflict that has killed thousands, triggered an energy crisis, and threatens long-term damage to the global economy. Tensions have escalated further after Iran effectively shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes.
On Saturday, Trump and Israel increased pressure on Iran to reopen the strait or face potential strikes on its energy infrastructure.
The rescued pilot was the last of the two crew members aboard the F-15 jet that Iran claimed to have downed with its air defense systems. The incident had sparked an intense search operation involving both U.S. and Iranian forces.
“Over the past several hours, the United States military carried out one of the most daring search-and-rescue missions in its history,” Trump said in a statement shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. He added that the injured colonel is expected to recover.
The Pentagon has not yet issued an official comment.
Trump, who has previously warned of striking Iranian power plants if his demands are not met, set a deadline for Tehran to agree to a peace deal by around 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday.
In a post on Truth Social, he reiterated his warning: “Time is running out—48 hours before all hell breaks loose.”
Throughout the conflict, Trump has alternated between signaling possible diplomatic progress and issuing strong threats against Iran.
Adding to the pressure, a senior Israeli defense official said Israel is preparing for potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities within the coming week, pending U.S. approval.
In response, Iran issued a stark warning, saying that any escalation by the United States and Israel would turn the entire region into “hell,” according to Iranian media reports.