For the Iranians, the Air Force colonel whose fighter jet had been shot down was possible leverage. For the U.S. military, finding him was a moral imperative.
Live updates: Iran war news; US forces rescue missing F-15 crew member, Trump says CNNU.S. Rescues Downed Air Force Officer Deep Inside Iran, Trump Says The New York TimesUS military jets hit in Iran war are the first shot down by enemy fire in over 20 years AP NewsSecond crew member from F-15 downed in Iran rescued by U.S. forces AxiosTwo Planes Destroyed by U.S. During Rescue Operation WSJ
