Foreign Media: U.S. Officials Confirm Air Search and Rescue Operation Underway in Iran; Iran Atomic Energy Organization: Iran Protested U.S.-Israel Attack on Its Nuclear Facilities to IAEA

A U.S. government representative confirmed to U.S. media that a large-scale aerial search and rescue operation has been launched in areas within Iran where American pilots may have gone missing.

Sources said U.S. officials have acknowledged the authenticity of information released by Iranian authorities early this morning. The operation has employed aerial reconnaissance to pinpoint the exact location of the crew members. It is reported that bounties of several tens of thousands of dollars are being offered in the region to gather intelligence aiding in the discovery and capture of U.S. military personnel.

The Iran Atomic Energy Organization stated that Tehran has lodged a protest with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.

The statement read: "The IAEA’s silence toward the attack by the United States and the Zionist regime on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities is not merely inaction—it is an open complicity in criminal acts. The head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization (Mohammad Eslami) has repeatedly sent letters to (IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi) expressing protest. Such historic negligence is eroding whatever credibility remains in the agency."

Previously, the Iran Atomic Energy Organization claimed that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant area was struck three times on March 17, 24, and 27. Additionally, Iran recorded two attacks on the Natanz Nuclear Facility on March 1 and 21, as well as attacks on the Khondab heavy water production plant and the Ardakan yellowcake (commonly known as "yellow cake") uranium enrichment facility on March 27. Iran accused the United States and Israel of carrying out these attacks.

The U.S. and Israel began striking targets inside Iran starting February 28, including in Tehran, resulting in damaged buildings and civilian casualties. In response, Iran has retaliated against Israeli territory and U.S. military installations in the Middle East.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861469973286924/

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