Iran hails attack on plane as victory after second F-15 pilot rescued
A second F-15 crew member missing after Tehran shot down a plane was rescued on Sunday as Iran claimed the United States suffered a “disastrous defeat” south of Isfahan.According to the Iranian News Agency, Ibrahim Zolfagari, spokesman for Iran’s Hatam Anbia Central Headquarters, said that the incident exposed “the hollow nature of the U.S. military and the humiliating failure of its forces.”“
He added, “Trump is trying to justify the disastrous defeat of his weak military by sowing confusion in public opinion.” According to Press TV, Zolfagari emphasized that the Iranian army shot down a C-130 class aircraft involved in the operation.Zolfagari described Iran’s actions as a clear example of the “courage” and “heroism” of the Iranian military’s defense against what he called U.S. aggression.“We have warned before that with the help of God, the brave warriors of the armed forces across the country will strike down any invader and crush them completely. The decisive victory achieved by Iranian forces south of Isfahan is a clear example of this courageous action. “
US praises ‘most audacious’ rescue mission
While Iran called it a victory, President Donald Trump hailed the mission as a victory for U.S. troops. Trump wrote in a social media post that the rescued pilot was injured but “will be fine,” and praised the operation as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in American history.” He confirmed that dozens of aircraft equipped with “the deadliest weapons” were deployed after two Black Hawk helicopters were reportedly attacked by local Iranian forces.Trump said, “This is the first time in military memory that two American pilots have been rescued deep in enemy territory. We will never leave an American fighter behind!” He also claimed that this operation proved that the United States has “overwhelming air supremacy and superiority over Iran’s airspace.”
Wars continue and conflicts escalate
The rescue operation comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating. The conflict began with a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28 and has since killed thousands, disrupted shipping routes including through the Strait of Hormuz, and pushed up fuel prices. Both sides have attacked civilian targets, raising concerns about possible war crimes.Iranian state television quoted the joint military command as saying that two Black Hawk helicopters and a C-130 transport plane were shot down in Isfahan during the US operation, and images showed thick smoke billowing from the desert area. During the mission, Iranian tribesmen also opened fire on U.S. helicopters.Meanwhile, regional diplomatic efforts are underway. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdulati and Pakistan’s foreign ministry have both reached out to U.S. and Iranian officials to discuss de-escalation measures and warned of the possibility of “unprecedented explosions” in the Middle East.Aid agencies warn that the ongoing conflict is disrupting food and medicine deliveries. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said that if hostilities continue until June, 320 million people around the world are already facing severe hunger, and another 45 million people may face severe hunger by then.
