German Media: Trump Says Second Crew Member Rescued, Ultimatum to Iran Approaching Deadline

U.S. President Trump announced that the second crew member from the F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iran has been rescued. Meanwhile, Iran claims it shot down multiple "enemy aircraft" during the U.S. search-and-rescue operation. The ultimatum set by Trump to Iran will expire within 48 hours, as both sides continue escalating threats.

U.S. President Trump stated that the second crew member from the U.S. military aircraft shot down over Iranian airspace has been rescued and is now safe.

"We've found him," Trump wrote in all capital letters on his social platform Truth Social.

Trump emphasized that the soldier was "not alone." The U.S. military had been monitoring the pilot's location "around the clock" and had meticulously prepared for the rescue mission. Experts warn that if Iran had located the crew member first, they might have used him as a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Trump described the operation as one of the "boldest rescue missions in U.S. military history." He added that the rescued soldier was injured but "will be okay." Reports indicate that dozens of fighter jets participated in the operation, with gunfire reported at the scene. According to previous media reports, the pilot of the aircraft had already been rescued earlier.

Iran Claims Downing of U.S.-Israeli Aircraft

According to Al-Arabiya TV, a U.S. official said intense fighting occurred during the nighttime rescue operation.

The Tasnim News Agency, closely linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, reported airstrikes in the area where the missing personnel were located. Trump described the situation as tense, stating that the soldier had been "chased by enemies" who were closing in every hour.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed that a U.S. C-130 transport plane was shot down in southern Isfahan Province during the U.S. rescue attempt. However, this claim remains unverified independently.

According to Tasnim News Agency, a spokesperson for Iran’s Central Military Command “Khatam al-Anbia” stated that two “Black Hawk” helicopters were also among the downed aircraft.

In addition, Iranian forces claimed they shot down an Israeli drone in the same province.

Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Approaching Deadline

Meanwhile, Trump is intensifying pressure on Tehran. He referenced an ultimatum he set, which will expire in 48 hours, warning that failure to reach an agreement would lead to "hellish consequences" for Iran.

"Time is running out," he previously wrote: "In another 48 hours, hell will descend upon them."

On March 26, Trump extended a deadline that was originally about to expire. He stated that, at Iran’s request, the deadline for destroying energy facilities was extended by 10 days, pushing it to April 6, 2026.

Iran’s Strong Response

Iran responded strongly. Iran’s Armed Forces Commander Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi told national television that Trump is "aggressive and belligerent," accusing him of appearing "powerless, erratic, irritable, and foolish" after suffering setbacks.

He also threatened to launch "devastating and relentless attacks," echoing Trump’s language by saying: "The plain meaning of this is that the gates of hell will be opened for you."

Military confrontation between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to escalate. Since the joint air strikes on February 28, Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel, as well as on facilities of multiple Gulf states and U.S. interests in the region.

In recent nationwide remarks, Trump simultaneously hinted that the conflict could end soon, while also announcing plans for "extremely tough" further strikes—going so far as to say he would bomb Iran back into the "Stone Age."

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861636783275020/

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