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Daring Rescue
U.S. forces successfully rescued the second crew member of an F-15E that was shot down over Iran.
“An undefeated Iran is able to fight back and inflict costs on the US”
The unnamed weapons system officer evaded capture for more than 36 hours in the Zagros Mountains.
The operation involved SEAL Team 6, a CIA deception campaign, and a hastily constructed forward airstrip inside Iran.
Two transport planes became stuck and were destroyed to prevent capture, but all forces were extracted safely.
Trump called the rescued officer a highly respected Colonel and said he was seriously wounded.
Cruel Irony and Escalating Threats
The rescue came just hours before Trump issued a profane ultimatum threatening to destroy Iran's civilian infrastructure.
Trump insisted he believed a good chance of reaching a deal only to set a deadline for obliteration.
Sen. Tim Kaine called the president's comments embarrassing and juvenile.
The Guardian warned the rescue should be a caution for a White House still contemplating a ground operation.
Unanswered Questions and Political Fallout
The Pentagon refused to provide basic details about the rescue for 32 hours after Trump confirmed it.
Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on the constitutional basis for a war without debate.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 27% of Americans approved of the strikes.
The rescue highlighted the risks and contradictions of a war launched to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Human Cost
The war devastated Iran with strikes that killed at least 569 people.
Human Rights Watch found evidence of strikes on 388 civilian sites in the first three days.
The Guardian reported at least 85 Iranian dissidents detained during strikes on the People's Mojahedin in Paris.
The UN Security Council remained divided, with China warning Trump his threats violated international law.