Differences Between Trump and Iran Over the Story of the US Fighter Jet Pilot Rescue
US President Donald Trump claimed to have successfully evacuated a fighter jet pilot who went missing after being shot down by Iran. However, Iran denied Trump’s claim, stating that they had shot down two more US aircraft and helicopters during the rescue operation.
Iran’s armed forces had previously shot down at least two fighter jets, three drones, and two cruise missiles on Friday (3 April). Iran described it as a ‘dark day’ for the US and Israeli air forces.
Compiled by detikcom on Sunday (5 April 2026), Donald Trump claimed that his side had rescued a missing US military member since Iran shot down the fighter jet. The US deployed dozens of aircraft for the SAR operation.
This was conveyed by US President Donald Trump via a social media post, as reported by AP on Sunday (5 April 2026). The US intensively conducted search and rescue operations after the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed on Friday. Meanwhile, Iran also offered a reward to anyone who handed over the ‘enemy pilot.’
The second crew member had been rescued earlier. In his post, Trump informed that the injured pilot’s condition ‘will be fine.’ Trump added that the pilot had taken shelter ‘in Iran’s dangerous mountains.’
Trump further stated that the rescue involved ‘dozens of aircraft’ and that the US had monitored his location ‘24 hours a day, and diligently planned the rescue.’
Iran Shoots Down 2 More US Aircraft
Iran’s joint military command stated that two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 military transport aircraft were shot down in the city of Isfahan. These aircraft were participating in the rescue operation for a US fighter jet pilot previously shot down by Iran.
‘Enemy aircraft entering southern Isfahan airspace, including two Black Hawk helicopters and one C-130 military transport aircraft, have been struck and are now burning,’ said the central military command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, as reported by AFP on Sunday (5 April 2026).
Iran: US Fighter Jet Pilot Rescue Operation Fails
Iran’s military stated that the US operation to rescue a pilot from the downed American fighter aircraft had ‘completely failed.’ However, the Iranian military statement did not mention that he had been captured.
As reported by AFP on Sunday (5 April 2026), the statement came after US President Donald Trump said the officer had been rescued in a search and rescue operation. Trump described the pilot as being in safe and sound condition.
‘The US military rescue operation that was touted, planned as a deception and escape mission at an abandoned airport south of Isfahan under the pretext of saving the downed aircraft pilot, completely failed,’ said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the central military command, Khatam Al-Anbiya.
In a video statement broadcast on state television, he said two C-130 military transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters were destroyed during the operation.
He added that Trump continued with ‘empty rhetoric and distractions despite the reality on the ground showing the superior position of Iran’s strong armed forces.’
State media shared images of charred wreckage scattered in a desert area, with smoke still rising from the location.