President Trump announces a second daring US rescue of a downed airman in Iran, as regional strikes intensify and nuclear plant attacks raise global alarm
TEHRAN: President Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a second US airman downed in Iran, calling it a “miraculous” operation.
He described the mission on Truth Social as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History”.
The announcement coincided with fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and Kuwait.
It also followed a 48-hour ultimatum Trump issued to Iran to make a deal or face severe consequences.
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies,” Trump stated.
“He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.”
Trump confirmed this operation came after another successful pilot rescue the previous day.
Iranian media reported five fatalities during the US rescue mission.
The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has now spread across the Middle East.
Iran has effectively blockaded the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.
It has also sustained a campaign of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf neighbours.
Recent US-Israeli attacks in Iran have targeted key economic sites.
A strike on a petrochemical hub killed five people on Saturday, according to a local official.
Trump reiterated his ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, referencing a March 26 demand.
“Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them,” he wrote.
Iran’s central military command rejected the threat as a “helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”.
General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi warned that “the gates of hell will open for you”.
Pakistan has offered to mediate, with foreign ministers speaking by phone.
There was no immediate de-escalation, however, as Kuwait and Israel reported responding to new attacks.
The United Arab Emirates also said its defences were active against missile strikes.
Bahrain officials reported a refinery fire “as a result of Iranian aggression”.
A strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant on Saturday killed a guard.
Russia, which helps operate the facility, condemned the strike and began evacuating 198 workers.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned continued attacks could lead to radioactive fallout.
He said this fallout would “end life in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) capitals, not Tehran”.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency voiced “deep concern” over the strike.
Rafael Grossi noted it was the fourth such attack on the plant in recent weeks.
Former IAEA director Mohamed El-Baradei urged Gulf nations to restrain Trump.
He asked them to prevent the president from turning the region into “a ball of fire”.
Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of two men convicted of spying for Israel and the US.
This continues a crackdown following recent anti-government protests.
