Trump accuses the media of aiding Iran during the search operation for the F-15 crew
The U.S. president sharply criticized the American media and anonymous sources who disclosed details of a classified operation to locate the crew of an F-15E fighter jet.
The aircraft was shot down over Iranian territory on April 3, marking the first combat loss of a U.S. manned aircraft since the conflict began in late February.
During a press conference on April 6, the U.S. President stated that the publication of information indicating that one pilot had already been rescued while the search for the other was ongoing had endangered the soldier’s life and jeopardized the success of the entire mission.
“We’ll be able to figure this out because we’ll go to the media company that published it and say: national security, hand him over or you’re going to jail,” Trump emphasized.
The U.S. president is convinced that the Iranian side learned of the existence of the second missing crew member precisely from news reports.
According to him, prior to the leak, Tehran was unaware of the scale of the situation, which allowed American special forces to operate more covertly.
“We must find this informant because he is a sick person,” Trump added, characterizing the source’s actions as a threat to national security.
He emphasized that the author of the article, who refuses to name his source, should be prepared for imprisonment.
The rescue operation, which Trump called “the boldest in U.S. history,” concluded successfully on April 5.
To extract the officer from a mountainous region of Iran, a fleet of over 150 aircraft was deployed, including fighter jets, bombers, and drones, which provided cover and distracted Iranian forces.
Trump may postpone strikes on Iran to allow for negotiations.
At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States could “destroy Iran overnight” if Tehran does not comply with Washington’s demands, particularly regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The day before, official Tehran announced that the strategically important sea route would remain closed until full compensation for the damage caused to the country by the war is provided.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran as early as April 6, 2026, warning of the complete destruction of critical infrastructure in the event of a breakdown in negotiations.
Prior to this, Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran’s leadership, demanding that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened by the evening of Tuesday, April 7.
