Iran Reveals Details of US Pilots' Rescue Operation

Iranian Press TV, citing a source within the country’s security forces, reports that the operation conducted by the United States, which was presented as a rescue of an F-15 fighter pilot, could actually have served a different purpose. According to this information, the operation was unrelated to the search for the downed pilot.

It is noted that a deserted airport, located near one of Isfahan's nuclear facilities, was chosen for the landing of American C-130 aircraft. The Iranian side suspects that this could have been an attempt to infiltrate the area.

At the same time, according to The Telegraph, two members of the crew of the downed F-15 managed to eject successfully. One was quickly located, while the search for the second took longer. The publication indicates that competition has arisen between US special forces and Iranian security agencies regarding the search for the second pilot, and Tehran has announced a reward of up to $60,000.

It was previously reported that the search operation nearly failed due to the content of a radio message sent by the pilot, which included religious expressions. Initially, there was speculation that he might have been captured; however, sources familiar with military circles indicated that the pilot is actually a religious figure.