US recovers 2 downed F-15 crew members inside Iran, CENTCOM says

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Sunday that American special operations forces successfully extracted two crew members from Iranian territory following the downing of their F-15E fighter jet during a combat mission on April 2. “The service members were safely recovered during separate search and rescue missions,” CENTCOM said in a statement on X, adding that US strikes continue to dismantle Iran’s “ability to project power beyond its borders.”

Trump describes ‘lucky’ strike and rescue delay

President Donald Trump told Axios that the F-15 was brought down by a shoulder-fired missile in what he described as a “lucky” strike by Iranian forces. Trump revealed that the rescue of one crew member was initially delayed because officials feared his radio transmission might be an Iranian trap. The concern deepened when the downed airman transmitted an unusual message. Trump said the officer had said, “Power be to God”—though US officials later clarified the exact phrase was “God is good.” Trump admitted the transmission “sounded like something a Muslim would say,” but those who knew the officer confirmed he was a religious person, allowing the rescue to proceed. Approximately 200 special operations soldiers participated in the mission.

Wider conflict and Türkiye’s position

The downing and subsequent rescue operation underscore the high-risk nature of US military operations inside Iranian territory since the joint US-Israeli air offensive began on February 28. More than 1,340 people have been killed, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes across the region, disrupting global markets and aviation. For Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and has long warned against escalation, the incident highlights how quickly tactical events can spiral into broader confrontation. Ankara continues to urge all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic channels over military solutions.