U.S. officials say a second American airman who was shot down over Iran has been rescued and is safe. Authorities provided few details about the operation, saying only that U.S. forces recovered the service member following an intensive search and rescue effort.
The rescue comes after a U.S. aircraft was downed over Iranian territory, an incident that prompted an urgent multinational and interservice response to locate and recover personnel. U.S. officials declined to disclose the precise location, timing or the condition of the rescued airman beyond describing them as safe. Officials also said they would withhold the service member’s identity until next of kin had been notified.
U.S. military and government statements said the search involved aerial and ground assets and was conducted under challenging conditions. Video circulated on social media and shared with news outlets earlier showed hostile fire directed at U.S. aircraft in the area, prompting questions about threats faced by rescue teams on the ground and in the air.
The incident has intensified already-elevated tensions between the United States and Iran. U.S. officials have not publicly attributed responsibility for the aircraft being shot down, and Iranian authorities have not immediately issued a detailed account of events. Washington has said it is continuing to assess the situation and review options.
Pentagon officials said they remain focused on the safe recovery of personnel and are continuing to provide support to the rescued airman and to others involved in the operation. Officials also said investigations are underway to determine exactly what happened, including the circumstances that led to the aircraft being struck and how the rescue was carried out.
The recovery marks a development in a larger, rapidly evolving situation that has included strikes, reported engagements between aircraft and surface fire, and increased military activity across the region. U.S. and allied commanders said they are monitoring threats and coordinating efforts to protect forces and personnel while pursuing any follow-up actions deemed necessary.