'Israel' cancels airstrikes to protect US pilot rescue in Iran
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- 'Israel' cancels planned airstrikes on Iran to avoid interfering with US rescue operations.
- One US pilot rescued after fighter jet shot down; second crew member still missing.
According to Axios, 'Israel' called off planned airstrikes against Iran to avoid obstructing ongoing US search-and-rescue operations for a downed American fighter jet.
Pilot rescue
A US official confirmed that special forces successfully rescued one of the two crew members. The second crew member remains missing.
Aircraft details
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported shooting down a US warplane in central Iran on Thursday night/Friday morning using air defense systems. Media images and videos show wreckage, including parts of the jet and a seat ejected during the crash. Initial assessments suggest the aircraft was an F-15 fighter.
This marks the first US plane reportedly shot down by enemy fire since the US–'Israel' military campaign against Iran began on February 28. Iran has retaliated with missiles and drones targeting 'Israel', while also striking what it claims are US interests in Arab countries, causing casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The ongoing US-'Israel' operations and Iran’s responses have escalated tensions, leaving search-and-rescue efforts and airstrike planning highly sensitive to avoid further casualties.
