US rescues two airmen after 50-hour Iran operation

Officials said two US Air Force officers were recovered after their aircraft was downed over central Iran; one officer hid for about 50 hours before being extracted. Officials said both were injured when they left the aircraft, and that one parachute was shredded during the descent.

50-hour concealment and extraction

Officials said more than 90 US military personnel were inserted into Iranian territory to recover the officers and that CIA operatives took part to misdirect Iranian forces. The agency’s involvement, officials said, aimed to reduce the chance of an interception while ground and air elements coordinated the extraction.

Officials said the concealed officer moved between cover and avoided capture until rescuers reached him; medics treated injuries on site before evacuation. Officials said the other officer, also wounded, was taken out in the same operation.

Officials cautioned the mission carries escalation risk with Tehran, noting that cross-border recoveries inside Iranian territory could prompt diplomatic or military responses. The effort, officials said, illustrates a heightened willingness to use layered intelligence and special operations to recover personnel.

Officials said commanders will deliver an initial classified briefing to congressional leaders on Sept. 16, 2026.