JUST IN: President Trump says the US military rescued both F-15 pilots in Iran without a single American soldier killed or wounded
Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2026 | Reflecto News
President Donald Trump has highlighted the flawless execution of the high-risk combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission in Iran, announcing that both F-15E Strike Eagle pilots were successfully rescued “without a single American soldier killed or wounded.”
In a fresh statement, Trump praised the U.S. military’s performance, calling the operation a “perfect success” and crediting the courage and professionalism of American forces operating deep behind enemy lines.
Trump’s Announcement
Trump stated:
“The United States Military just completed one of the most daring and successful Search and Rescue operations in history. We rescued BOTH pilots from the downed F-15 in Iran — and not a single American soldier was killed or wounded. Incredible job by our great warriors!”
The announcement underscores the zero-casualty outcome despite intense challenges during the mission.
Full Scope of the Rescue
The operation, which unfolded over several days inside Iran, included:
- Dramatic low-altitude HC-130J Combat King II flights and mid-air refueling of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters over hostile territory.
- A fierce ground engagement between U.S. Special Forces and IRGC units, described as a “nightmare scenario” shootout.
- U.S. Air Force airstrikes called in to neutralize advancing Iranian forces attempting to reach the second pilot.
- Close coordination that allowed Israel to cancel planned strikes to avoid interfering with the rescue.
Both crew members — including a highly respected Colonel — are now safely recovered and receiving medical evaluation. The mission succeeded despite Iranian claims of striking a rescue helicopter and a reported bounty for the pilots’ capture.
Strategic and Political Significance
President Trump has used the success to project strength and resolve in Operation Epic Fury, the sixth week of the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. The zero-casualty rescue stands in sharp contrast to the broader escalation:
- Recent U.S. strikes on Tehran reportedly killed over 50 senior Iranian officials.
- Coordinated attacks on petrochemical facilities continue.
- Internal discussions within the administration push for strikes on power plants and bridges to cripple Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.
- Iran has retaliated with drone strikes on Kuwaiti power and water desalination plants, causing significant damage.
- The transatlantic alliance faces strain, with The Wall Street Journal reporting a potential breaking point in US-Europe relations over the war.
- Former IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei has urged Gulf nations and the UN to intervene against what he called the “madman” Trump, citing nuclear safety risks near Bushehr.
Ceasefire talks remain stalled after Iran rejected the U.S. 15-point peace proposal and refused mediated meetings in Islamabad. Iran has authorized limited humanitarian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing volatility.
Looking Ahead
The successful, casualty-free rescue of both pilots is expected to boost morale among U.S. forces and provide political momentum for the Trump administration. However, analysts warn that the intense ground battle and airstrikes during the operation could provoke further Iranian retaliation, potentially escalating the conflict further.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring official Pentagon briefings, any Iranian response to the rescue claims, casualty assessments from the ground engagement, and developments in the broader military and diplomatic situation.
By Reflecto News Desk
Sources: Truth Social and public statements by President Donald Trump, Axios, Fox News, CBS News, Reuters, U.S. Department of Defense, and Iranian state-affiliated media.