Iran Attacks Israel: US Crew Rescued, War Risk Soars

The U.S. military has rescued the second pilot of an F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran on Friday, according to President Donald Trump and reports from U.S. officials. The rescue comes as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel and Iran.

US forces rescue second crew member of downed F-15 fighter jet

Identifying the pilot as a colonel, Trump wrote on Truth Social that U.S. forces were monitoring his location “24 hours a day” and planning for his rescue. “WE GOT HIM! 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!”

Trump said that at his direction, “the US Military sent dozens of aircraft” to retrieve him, and claimed “not a single American” was killed during the operation. The jet’s other pilot was rescued on Friday.

Iran rejects Trump’s demand to make a deal within 48 hours

Iran has rejected Donald Trump’s demand that the regime cut a deal in 48 hours or face “all hell”. On Saturday, the U.S. president posted on social media: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” referring to an ultimatum issued on 26 March.

“Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.” Iran’s central military command rejected the ultimatum, with Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi saying Trump’s threat was a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”. Echoing Trump’s language, he warned that “the gates of hell will open for you”.

Trump later posted a video showing explosions lighting up a night sky along with text that said: “Many of Iran’s Military Leaders … are terminated, along with much else, with this massive strike in Tehran,” without specifying when it took place.

South Korea seeks energy security amid escalating conflict

South Korea’s finance minister met with envoys from Gulf countries to shore up energy security and the safety of Korean vessels near the strait of Hormuz, the ministry said on Sunday, as the escalating war disrupts shipping. In the meeting on Friday, Koo Yun-cheol asked the Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors to ensure a steady supply of oil, liquefied natural gas, naphtha, urea and other critical resources, and to ensure the safety of Korean vessels and crew near the vital strait, the ministry said in a statement.

The envoys said South Korea is a “top priority” nation and pledged to communicate closely with Seoul to ensure stable supply, the statement said. Like other Asian economies, South Korea relies heavily on energy imports, including through the strait of Hormuz, which was a conduit for 20% of the world’s oil before the war began in February.

Bahrain says civil defence working to contain fire after Iranian attack

Bahrain’s interior ministry has said civil defence officials are working to contain a fire after an Iranian attack. Kuwait electricity and water ministry said on Sunday a fire has erupted in the Shuwaikh oil sector complex after a drone attack, and that two power and water desalination plants sustained “significant material damage” after being attacked by Iranian drones.