Iran is hailing the strike on the planes as a victory after a second F-15 pilot was rescued
Iran announced on Sunday that it had suffered a “bitter defeat” for the United States in southern Isfahan after rescuing a second F-15 crew member, who went missing after Tehran shot down the plane.According to the news agency ANI, Ibrahim Zulfiqari, spokesman for the central headquarters of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia, said that the incident revealed “the hollow nature of the American army and the humiliating failure of its forces.”
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‘Run, run, run…the enemies are coming’: Explosive revelation of US pilot’s rescue after Iran hits F-15E
He added: “Trump is trying to justify the bitter defeat of his weak army by creating confusion among public opinion.” According to Press TV, Zulfiqari confirmed that Iranian forces shot down a C-130 plane that participated in the operation.Zulfiqari described Iran’s actions as a clear example of the “courageous” and “heroic” defense of its forces against what he called American aggression.He added: “We previously warned that the nation’s brave fighters in the armed forces, with God’s help, will cut off any invader and completely crush the aggressors.
He added that the decisive victory of Iranian forces in southern Isfahan is a clear example of this courageous act.
The United States praises the “most daring” rescue mission
While Iran called it a victory, President Donald Trump hailed the mission as a victory for the US military. In a social media post, Trump wrote that the rescued pilot was injured but “will be OK,” and praised the operation as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in the history of the United States.” He confirmed that dozens of aircraft equipped with “the most lethal weapons” had been deployed after two Black Hawk helicopters were targeted by local Iranian forces.
Trump said: “This is the first time in military memory that two American pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory. We will never leave an American fighter behind!” He also claimed that the operation demonstrated America’s “overwhelming air dominance and superiority in Iranian airspace.”
The clash escalated amid the ongoing war
The rescue operation comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The conflict began with joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, and has since killed thousands, disrupted shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and soared fuel prices.
Both sides struck civilian targets, raising concerns about possible war crimes.Iranian state television, citing the Joint Military Command, said that two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 transport plane were shot down in Isfahan during the American operation, and pictures showed smoke rising from a desert area. Iranian tribesmen also opened fire on American helicopters during the mission.Meanwhile, regional diplomatic efforts continue. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty and the Pakistani Foreign Ministry have cooperated with US and Iranian officials to explore de-escalation measures, warning of a potential “unprecedented explosion” in the Middle East.Aid agencies warn that the ongoing conflict is disrupting the delivery of food and medicine. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization said that if hostilities continue until June, an additional 45 million people could face acute hunger, on top of the 320 million people already at risk globally.
