President Donald Trump announced Sunday that US forces successfully rescued an airman who went missing after Iran downed an American F-15E fighter jet. The rescue operation, conducted along with “dozens” of US military aircraft, spanned two days and involved hundreds of special operations troops. US aircraft dropped bombs and fired on Iranian convoys to keep them away from the airman’s hiding area, according to the New York Times.

The downed jet marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The incident occurred Friday when Iranian forces shot down the American fighter aircraft, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission. Trump’s Truth Social post early Sunday confirmed the successful recovery of the crew member.

This military confrontation adds to growing regional instability as Iran continues its aggressive posture toward neighboring countries. The rescue operation demonstrates the US military’s capability to execute complex missions under hostile conditions while highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the Middle East. The incident is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.