US rescues airman as Trump, Israel pressure Iran ahead of deadline

The United States rescued an airman missing from one of two warplanes downed in Iran, two US officials said, as President Donald Trump and Israel stepped up pressure on Iran to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on energy facilities.

The officials did not provide further details to Reuters late on Friday, April 3, about the airman. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The airman was the second member of a two-person crew of an F-15 jet that Iran said on Friday was brought down by its air defenses. Reuters reported on Friday that the first member of the crew had been recovered.

Trump has sent mixed messages ranging from hints of diplomatic progress to threats to bomb the Islamic Republic “back to the Stone Ages” since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran on February 28.

Trump, who has previously threatened to hit Iranian power plants if his demands were not met, told Tehran his latest deadline for a deal to end the war was fast approaching.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!” he wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The war has killed thousands, sparked an energy crisis and threatens lasting damage to the world economy after Iran virtually shut the ​Strait of Hormuz, which usually carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas. – Rappler.com