Iran hails plane attack as victory after second F-15 pilot is rescued
Iran claimed a “bitter defeat” for the United States in southern Isfahan on Sunday after the rescue of a second F-15 crew member who went missing after Tehran shot down the jet.According to news agency ANI, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the incident had “exposed the hollow nature of the US military and the disgraceful failure of its forces.”“
“Trump tries to justify his weak military’s bitter defeat by creating an illusion for public opinion,” he said. According to Press TV, Zolfaghri highlighted that Iranian forces had shot down a C-130-class aircraft involved in the operation.Zolfaghari described Iran’s actions as a clear example of the “courageous” and “heroic” defense of its forces against US aggression.“We had already warned that the brave fighters of the country in the armed forces, with the help of God, will take down any aggressor and completely crush the attackers. The Iranian army’s decisive victory in southern Isfahan is a clear example of this courageous action,” he said.
US hails “most daring” rescue operation
While Iran called it its victory, President Donald Trump described the mission as a victory for the US military. In a social media post, Trump wrote that the rescued aviator was injured but “will be absolutely fine” and praised the operation, calling it “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in American history.” He confirmed that dozens of aircraft equipped with the “most lethal weapons” were deployed after two Black Hawk helicopters were reportedly targeted by local Iranian forces.Trump said, “This is the first time in military memory that two American pilots have been rescued separately over enemy territory. We will never leave an American warrior behind!” He also claimed that the operation proved America’s “overwhelming air dominance and superiority over Iranian skies”.
The conflict is increasing amid the ongoing war
This rescue operation has been done amid increasing tension between America and Iran. The conflict began with joint US-Israeli attacks on February 28 and has since killed thousands, disrupted shipping routes including the Strait of Hormuz and sent fuel prices soaring. Both sides have attacked civilian targets, raising concerns over possible war crimes.Two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 transport plane were shot down in Isfahan during the US operation, Iranian state TV said, citing the Joint Military Command, with pictures showing smoke rising from a desert area. During the mission, Iranian tribesmen also fired on American helicopters.Meanwhile, regional diplomatic efforts continue. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatty and Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry have both held talks with US and Iranian officials to explore measures to de-escalate tensions, warning of a possible “unprecedented explosion” in the Middle East.Aid agencies have warned that the ongoing conflict is disrupting food and medicine deliveries. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization said that if hostilities continued until June, an additional 45 million people could face severe hunger, adding to the 320 million already at risk globally.