Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, Trump says
A U.S. crew member who went missing when an F-15E fighter jet was shot down over a remote area of Iran has been rescued by U.S. forces.
Updated on: April 5, 2026 / 8:17 PM EDT / CBS News
"We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran," President Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday, calling him "a highly respected Colonel."
Mr. Trump said the pilot was rescued "in broad daylight" after U.S. forces spent "seven hours over Iran." He plans to share more about the operation at a news conference on Monday, according to the post.
The president originally confirmed the crew member's rescue in a Truth Social post overnight.
"WE GOT HIM!" he wrote in the post. "My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!"