United States President, Donald Trump, on Sunday announced that American forces had successfully rescued a second airman downed in Iran, describing the mission as one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in US history.
The president disclosed that the operation followed an earlier successful extraction of another pilot, which had initially been kept confidential to avoid jeopardising the second rescue effort.
In a statement shared via his Truth Social platform, Trump said the rescued airman had been trapped behind enemy lines in Iran’s mountainous terrain.
He noted that although the serviceman sustained injuries, he was in stable condition and expected to recover.
“This brave warrior was deep in hostile territory and under threat, but he will be fine,” Trump stated.
The announcement came amid rising hostilities in the Middle East, with Iran launching missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Kuwait early Sunday, further intensifying an already volatile conflict.
The situation follows a recent ultimatum issued by Trump, warning Tehran to reach an agreement within a specified timeframe or face severe consequences.
Iran’s military leadership, however, dismissed the threat, describing it as reckless, while issuing a counter-warning of strong retaliation.
The conflict has continued to expand across the region, disrupting economic activities and raising concerns over global energy supply, particularly as Iran maintains control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a related development, a strike near the Bushehr nuclear facility in southern Iran reportedly claimed a life and prompted Russia to evacuate its personnel from the site.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that repeated attacks on the facility could trigger radioactive consequences affecting neighbouring Gulf countries.
Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, expressed concern over the escalating strikes near nuclear installations, although he confirmed that no abnormal radiation levels had been detected.
The intensifying exchanges have seen both sides increasingly target economic and industrial infrastructure, heightening fears of broader regional instability and further shocks to the global economy.
Missile debris from intercepted Iranian drones reportedly caused injuries in Bahrain and damage to buildings in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the widening impact of the conflict.
As tensions rise, calls for de-escalation have grown louder, with global stakeholders warning that continued hostilities could plunge the region into deeper crisis.
AFP
