Trump Calls Rescue of F-15E Pilot an “Easter Miracle”

President Donald Trump referred to the rescue of a second aviator from an F-15E that crashed in Iran on Saturday as an “Easter miracle.”

In a text message to NBC News, Trump described the rescue, which involved U.S. special operations forces, as a high-risk combat search and rescue mission.

“The rescue was an Easter miracle. The enemy was big and violent. The rescuers were amazing, strong, determined, and as calm as anyone,” he stated, according to comments relayed by NBC News’ Kristen Welker.

He continued, “The Iranians thought they got him, but it wasn’t even close. Remember, we got two, but we couldn’t talk about the first one because it would highlight the presence of the second one.”

Calling it an unprecedented rescue, Trump noted, “Never before has a rescue like this taken place in such violent enemy territory. It is generally not performed because it is considered unfeasible. There is no other army like it. Happy Easter! President DJT,” he concluded.

The F-15E pilot was saved shortly after being shot down by Iranian forces on Thursday night. However, the location of the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) wasn’t identified by U.S. military officials until Saturday.

The rescue operation coincided with efforts by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to find the WSO.

According to reports, U.S. air forces carried out strikes to deter Iranian forces, while special operations forces on the ground managed multi-layered deployments under artillery fire.

After ejecting with the pilot, the WSO managed to avoid capture using Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) techniques. He sought cover and activated an emergency beacon amidst the chaos, as reported.

Sources familiar with the mission indicated that there was some ground fighting, but no U.S. military personnel were harmed.

In a subsequent Truth Social post, President Trump emphasized the bravery of the F-15 crew, stating, “We rescued a seriously injured and truly brave F-15 crew/officer from deep in the mountains of Iran. Iranian troops were watching intently in large numbers and approaching. He is a highly respected colonel. These types of raids are rarely attempted because of the danger to personnel and equipment.”

He acknowledged the unusual nature of the second airstrike that took place over Iran, highlighting a seven-hour mission carried out in broad daylight. “A great show of courage and talent by everyone! I will be holding a press conference with the military in the Oval Office on Monday at 1:00 p.m. God bless our great military warriors!”

Shortly after, Trump warned that Iran was running out of time to open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities and bridges.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day rolled into one in Iran. There’s no better day than this!!! Open the straits, you crazy bastards, or you’ll live in hell – look! Praise be to Allah,” he wrote.