US Airmen Rescued From Iran After Trump Deal Talk

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that U.S. forces safely recovered a second airman downed in Iran, describing the operation as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” The announcement followed missile and drone launches by Iran targeting Israel and Kuwait early Sunday, and a day after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran.

Trump Announces Second Airman Rescue Amidst Iran Conflict

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies,” Trump said on Truth Social. He added that the airman sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

Trump also revealed the successful rescue of another pilot the previous day, which had not been publicly confirmed to avoid jeopardizing the second rescue operation.

The conflict has expanded throughout the Middle East and is impacting the global economy. Iran maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for oil and gas, and has been targeting economic assets in Gulf nations it perceives as supporting the U.S.-Israeli war effort.

Economic strikes have been reciprocal. According to the deputy governor of Khuzestan province, an Israeli or U.S. strike on a petrochemical hub in southwestern Iran on Saturday resulted in five fatalities.

On Saturday, Trump reiterated a previous ultimatum issued on March 26, stating, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT.” He warned that “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them.”

Iran’s central military command dismissed Trump’s threat. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi characterized it as a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action.”