US Rescues Last Downed F-15E Crew Member From Iran Amid Conflicting Claims
Image: نواندیش

US Rescues Last Downed F-15E Crew Member From Iran Amid Conflicting Claims

05 April, 2026.Iran.51 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Second crew member from the downed F-15E was rescued inside Iran by U.S. forces.
  • Trump confirmed the rescue on social media.
  • Iran claimed shooting down multiple U.S. aircraft during the rescue, with counts disputed.

Daring Rescue Mission

U.S. forces rescued the second crew member of an F-15E shot down over Iran.

The officer evaded Iranian forces for more than 24 hours before being extracted.

Image from Air & Space Forces Magazine
Air & Space Forces MagazineAir & Space Forces Magazine

Trump called it an Easter miracle, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu applauded the rescue.

The rescue came as the US-Israel war on Iran entered its 37th day.

Iran's Contradictory Claims

Iran's official response was contradictory and escalated the information war.

The IRGC claimed it shot down two C-130s and two Black Hawk helicopters.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Iran compared the operation to the failed 1980 Operation Eagle Claw.

The US stated both crew members were safe and recovering.

Strategic and Political Implications

The rescue was a significant symbolic win for Washington.

It freed Trump to pursue his 48-hour deadline for Iran to make a deal.

Three rescue aircraft were hit by Iranian fire during the mission.

The Pentagon confirmed six US service members killed.

More on Iran