Trump announces press conference after rescue of ‘seriously wounded’ F-15E crew member

President Donald Trump says he will hold a news conference with members of the U.S. military at the White House on Monday to discuss the successful rescue of the second F‑15E crew member from inside Iran, following the downing of their fighter jet over Iranian territory.

Details of the rescue

Trump identified the rescued service member as a colonel who is “seriously wounded,” though he did not elaborate on the nature or extent of the injuries. In a social‑media post, he said the officer was pulled from deep inside Iran’s mountainous border regions, where Iranian forces were reportedly searching in large numbers and closing in.

Unusual military operation

The president described the mission as an exceptionally rare and high‑risk raid, noting that such operations are seldom attempted due to the danger to personnel and equipment. He added that Monday’s action followed an earlier daylight rescue of the jet’s pilot, which he said lasted about seven hours over Iranian airspace—an unusual feat given the threat environment.

Monday press conference

Trump said he will jointly host a press conference with senior military officials in the Oval Office on Monday at 1:00 p.m., calling it “an amazing show of bravery and talent by all” and offering praise for the U.S. “military warriors.” The event is expected to provide further details on the rescue, the condition of the colonel, and the broader implications for the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict.