Trey Yingst reports on US military rescue of missing aviator deep in Iran

Trey Yingst provided a live update from Tel Aviv discussing a bold U.S. military operation aimed at rescuing an American airman missing in Iran. This airman, a colonel, managed to survive for roughly 48 hours in hostile territory after his F-15E Strike Eagle was downed on Friday. President Trump acted swiftly, deploying hundreds of U.S. personnel, showcasing significant military and intelligence capabilities without resulting in any casualties.

The “daring” rescue of an airman described as “gravely injured” has been celebrated as a notable success by President Trump, who emphasized the operation’s “remarkable show of courage and talent,” transforming a potential setback into a demonstration of strength.

Information regarding the mission is gradually surfacing. A high-ranking government official mentioned how the CIA executed a “deception operation” to mislead the enemy. This strategical misinformation included spreading news through various channels within Iran that U.S. forces had already found the other aviator who ejected and was relocating him to a maritime position, thereby providing more time to locate the stranded weapons systems officer.

After detecting a distress signal, the CIA communicated the details to the Department of Defense and the White House, prompting an immediate rescue operation.

While there were initial worries that the “beacon signal” could be a “trap” set by Iran, the CIA later confirmed it was genuine, utilizing advanced technology to pinpoint the location of the missing airmen.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reported progress to Army Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan “Ragin” Cain, eventually briefing President Trump. The military was airborne within eight hours, and nearly 12 hours later, they were operating on the ground in Iran.

Officials expressed the significant stakes involved; they were aware of Iran’s history with captured personnel. The U.S. employed MQ9 Reaper drones to monitor the area around where the airmen were taken. They even targeted areas where U.S. forces were engaged to deter any nearby threats.

“We conducted extensive attacks in the surrounding region using every tactical aircraft and B-1 bomber available to ensure the safety of the airman,” a senior U.S. official stated.

Trump praised the complex operation, celebrating the successful rescue of the “respected colonel.” He announced on Truth Social, “We rescued a seriously injured and truly brave F-15 crew member from deep in the mountains of Iran.” With Iranian forces reportedly observing closely, the action was deemed especially sensitive.

Trump pointed out that operations like this are seldom attempted due to the associated risks. He highlighted the second raid that took place in broad daylight, extending over seven hours, as particularly significant. A night earlier, he called it “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in American history.”

The injured airman was the second of the crew onboard the fighter jet that Iran claimed to have shot down on Friday. Following the rescue operation, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps reported that several of its aircraft were destroyed, including a C-130 transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters.

Israeli intelligence provided crucial assistance to the CIA in identifying the missing weapons systems officer and dispelling suspicions regarding an Iranian ambush. As part of this collaboration, Israeli military officials moderated operations in the area to pave the way for the mission.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed pride, stating, “All Israelis rejoice at the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America’s brave warriors.” He emphasized that when a free society combines courage and determination, it can tackle formidable challenges.

As a 10-day deadline for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz approached, President Trump issued a stern warning on Sunday morning, aiming to act decisively. He proclaimed, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day rolled into one in Iran,” adding emphatically that it “will never happen!”