US continues Iran strikes after both airmen rescued from downed F-15E jet

WASHINGTON, DC: The US Central Command said strikes against Iran are ongoing as part of a broader campaign to weaken the regime’s ability to project power beyond its borders, even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict appear to be gaining traction.

The update came after two American service members were successfully rescued following separate search-and-rescue missions, days after their fighter jet was shot down during a combat operation.

At the same time, President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran are nearing a potential agreement, signaling parallel military and diplomatic developments.

US strikes intensify after Iran rescue mission

CENTCOM confirmed that the two US service members were recovered after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down on April 2 during a combat mission. Both were retrieved in separate operations and safely recovered by April 4, officials said.

The command noted that the ongoing strikes are part of a sustained effort to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, particularly targeting assets that enable the regime to operate beyond its territory.

The operations come amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with Washington aiming to curb Tehran’s regional influence.

Officials did not disclose the exact locations of the strikes but emphasized that the campaign is focused on limiting Iran’s operational reach and preventing further escalation.

Trump says Iran deal talks near breakthrough

Trump, speaking during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst on April 5, said that negotiations with Iranian officials are progressing and could soon result in a deal to end the conflict.

"We have it under control, seriously under control. They want to make a deal so good, they just can't get to the final starting line...But I think they're close," Trump said.

Trump also revealed that the US has offered assurances to Iranian negotiators during the talks.

"We've given them immunity from death. And we've told the people that we're dealing with, who are the top people," Trump said.

He further claimed that Iran has already conceded on key issues, particularly its nuclear program. "The big thing is they're not going to have a nuclear weapon. They're not even negotiating that point, it's so easy. That's already been conceded. Most of the points are conceded," he added.

US forces complete high-risk rescue inside Iran

US special forces rescued the second crew member of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle from Iranian territory after a “heavy firefight,” a senior American official told Al Jazeera on April 5. The high-risk operation concluded a 48-hour search-and-rescue mission conducted deep inside hostile territory.

The recovered individual, believed to be the weapons systems officer, was extracted during an intense exchange with Iranian ground forces.

While specific operational details remain classified, military sources told CBS News that elite combat search-and-rescue teams carried out the mission with support from helicopters and drones. 

The fighter jet had crashed on April 4 over southwestern Iran after being hit by enemy fire, marking the first confirmed instance of Iranian forces downing a manned US warplane since the conflict began in February.

One crew member was rescued within hours by a UH-60 Black Hawk team that came under small-arms fire but returned safely.

The second airman remained missing until April 5, when US forces successfully located and extracted them, bringing both personnel back to safety, officials said.