Trump heralds ‘Easter Miracle’ after rescue of F-15 airman in Iran

President Trump praised the successful rescue operation of a missing weapons officer from an F-15E Strike Eagle that was shot down by Iran last week as an “Easter Miracle” on Sunday.

The daring mission involved intense fighting near the crash site in southwestern Iran, deep behind enemy lines. The US forces were able to rescue the crew member without any casualties, showcasing the bravery and skill of the American military.

In a text to NBC’s Kristen Welker, President Trump expressed his admiration for the rescuers, describing them as brilliant, strong, decisive, and cool under pressure. He revealed that the Iranians believed they had captured the airman, but the rescue operation proved them wrong. Trump also mentioned that a second crew member had been rescued earlier in the week, making it a remarkable achievement.

The complexity of the rescue mission involved dozens of warplanes, helicopters, and hundreds of special operations troops. Despite the challenging circumstances, the US forces successfully extracted both crew members, demonstrating the superior air dominance and military capabilities over Iranian territory.

President Trump is scheduled to provide further details about the operation during a press conference on Monday. He shared his satisfaction with the outcome on Truth Social, emphasizing that not a single American was killed or wounded during the missions.

However, Iran denied the success of the operation, comparing it to the failed 1980 Operation Eagle Claw. The regime suggested that the rescue mission was a failure, despite evidence of the successful extraction of the crew members.

The Iranian government had reportedly shot down the fighter jet near Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province and offered a reward for the capture of the crew members. Questions have arisen regarding Iran’s ability to down an advanced US fighter jet, considering the damage inflicted on its missile stockpile during previous attacks.

The incident marked the first time a US fighter jet was brought down by enemy fire since the start of the conflict. Another US military aircraft, an A-10 attack plane, was also targeted by Iran, but the pilot managed to eject safely into Kuwaiti airspace.

The successful rescue operation serves as a testament to the skill and determination of the US military in carrying out high-risk missions in hostile territories. President Trump’s praise for the rescuers and the outcome of the operation highlights the strength and capabilities of the American armed forces.