US Conducts Daring Rescue Operation to Save Downed Pilot in Iran TEHRAN, Iran — April 5, 2026 The U.S. military successfully rescued a downed pilot in Iran following a high-risk operation involving dozens of fighter jets and a heavy firefight, according to officials and media reports. The operation, described as one of the most daring in U.S. military history, involved extensive planning and round-the-clock surveillance of the soldier’s location in mountainous terrain. A second crew member was also rescued earlier, though details of that mission remain scarce. During the rescue, U.S. forces engaged in a fierce firefight, according to a U.S. official quoted by Al Jazeera. Iranian media, including the Tasnim news agency, reported airstrikes in the area where the missing soldier was located. High sums of money had reportedly been offered for the soldier’s capture. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the operation, stating that the soldier was "being hunted by enemies but was never alone." He added in German: *"Wir haben ihn"* ("We got him"). Experts warned that if Iran had captured the soldier first, he could have been used as leverage in ongoing tensions. The rescue underscores heightened military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though neither side has provided further details on potential casualties or diplomatic repercussions.