Trump says US rescued second F-15 pilot shot down in Iran
The White House says the second crew member is alive after a high-risk operation, while Iran denies the rescue and claims it downed US aircraft during the attempt. The clash of narratives underscores the fog of war and the stakes of a missing airman behind enemy lines.
Apr 5, 2026, 1:04 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- A missing US airman behind enemy lines is a high-stakes test of US military capability and political resolve. A successful rescue would be a major morale and propaganda win; a failure would embolden Tehran and complicate Washington’s war aims.
What happened:
- Donald Trump said US forces located and rescued the second crew member of an F-15 shot down in Iran, describing the operation as one of the most audacious in US history and confirming the officer is “safe and sound.” - The first pilot was previously recovered after the F-15 was downed on Friday; the second had been missing in mountainous terrain while being pursued by Iranian forces. - Trump said the officer was wounded but would recover, and that no US personnel were killed or injured during the rescue.
The latest:
- Iran’s military denied the rescue, saying it thwarted the US attempt and destroyed two C-130 transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters during the operation. - The Pentagon said two C-130s became stuck on a makeshift airstrip and were destroyed to prevent capture, while three additional aircraft were sent to complete the extraction.
The big picture:
- The F-15 was the first confirmed US manned aircraft loss since the war began, intensifying pressure on Washington to recover its crew and demonstrate air dominance. - Iran has claimed multiple US aircraft downed during the conflict, but until this incident none were confirmed by Washington.
By the numbers:
- Two US aircrew were aboard the F-15; one was recovered earlier, and the second was rescued after roughly 48 hours on the ground. - Iran reportedly offered a reward and special recognition for anyone who captured the missing pilot alive.
What they're saying:
- “We got him! … He is SAFE AND SOUND,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding the officer was a highly respected colonel. - Iran’s Central Headquarters spokesperson said the US operation ended in “total failure” and that two C-130s and two Black Hawks were destroyed.
The risk:
- Conflicting accounts heighten the risk of miscalculation and escalation as both sides seek to claim victory and shape public opinion.
The bottom line:
- Washington says it pulled off a daring rescue; Tehran says it foiled the mission — and the truth is still being untangled.