Trump Reveals Details of American Pilot's Rescue and Threatens the Leak Source

SadaNews - On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he will demand the journalist who was the first to leak the news of the rescue operation of an American air force member in Iran to disclose his source, threatening him with imprisonment if he refuses, citing national security concerns.

Trump also explained that more than 170 aircraft were used in the rescue operation of the two American pilots in Iran.

The U.S. president stated in a press conference at the White House that Iran could be eliminated in one night, adding that "it could be tomorrow night," as reported by Reuters.

Trump had set a deadline for Tehran, expiring on Tuesday evening, before targeting its energy infrastructure.

He described the rescue operation of the two pilots from the U.S. aircraft "F-15" that crashed in Iran as a "historic rescue operation," noting that an overwhelming success was achieved "unlike any before."

In a press conference attended by military leaders and journalists, he stated that the "historic operation" was a resounding success, clarifying that the pilots exited the aircraft and landed safely on Iranian soil.

He also mentioned that he had to make a swift decision when he learned of the news, ordering the deployment of 21 U.S. armed forces aircraft to carry out the rescue.

He pointed out that the aircraft flew for 7 hours over Iranian skies, facing a considerable amount of hostile fire at close range.

He revealed that the pilot avoided capture by climbing mountains after the plane was shot down, moving away from the site, noting that he treated his wounds himself and then communicated with U.S. forces, avoiding capture for over 48 hours on Iranian territory.

Trump confirmed that the military deployed forces in 7 different locations to distract the Iranians and prevent them from reaching the pilot, adding that 170 aircraft were used in the operations.

He also clarified that the decision to destroy the two stranded cargo planes was made so that U.S. equipment would not fall into Iranian hands, especially since 4 bombers and 48 refueling aircraft participated in the operation.

He admitted that Iran shot down the F15 plane, considering it a "stroke of luck."

Trump expressed that America could eliminate Iran in one night, possibly tomorrow night, referring to the end of the deadline he gave Iran to finalize an agreement.

For his part, the Director of the CIA, John Ratcliffe, remarked at the same conference that the rescue operation of the pilots in Iran was exemplary.

He added that information indicated that the Iranians "felt humiliated" after the pilots were rescued, as he put it.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the aircraft flew for 7 hours in Iranian airspace to rescue the second pilot, adding that U.S. forces executed an exceptional mission.

He mentioned that the Iranians are questioning how America succeeded in rescuing the pilots.

In his turn, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Dan Keen stated that the rescue teams did a magnificent job in Iran.

He continued that the rescue of the second pilot from Iran was extremely precise.

Earlier today, Trump stated that the deadline he set for Iran, which ends tomorrow, Tuesday, for finalizing an agreement is a "final deadline," adding that the Iranian proposal is significant but not good enough. Trump said, "They made a proposal, which is an important proposal. It is an important step. But it is not sufficient."

He continued during an annual event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Easter, that "the war can be ended very quickly if they do what they need to do. They have to do certain things. They know that, and I think they are negotiating in good faith."

Trump remarked during the event that he is upset with the Iranian government, emphasizing that they "will pay a high price," according to Reuters. In the midst of talking about the war, he said, "We can leave now but I want to complete the mission." He noted that the Iranians have some missiles and remaining drones.

The U.S. president described those negotiating with the United States in Iran as "logical and not extremists," asserting that the war could end very quickly if they (in Iran) do "what they need to do."

Trump pointed out that if it were up to him, he would take the Iranian oil, but added that the American people might not understand such a move.

He lamented that "the American people want us to return home," referring to ending the war. He noted that it was supposed to deliver weapons to Iranian protesters, but a certain group of people retained those weapons, as he expressed.

In response to a question about how targeting Iranian infrastructure is not considered a war crime, Trump said, "Because they are animals," according to Reuters. He viewed that Iran wants a ceasefire because it is, as he described, "being exterminated."

The U.S. president reiterated that he gave the Iranians opportunities, which they did not take advantage of. He noted that his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in talks, and Vice President J.D. Vance may also participate.

He asserted that there has been a change in the regime in Iran, and that those in leadership now are "more moderate." He said that the last team representing the Iranian government appears to be "not extremist" like others who were killed in airstrikes. He added, "We believe they are actually smarter."

High-ranking aides to Trump are negotiating with Iran indirectly through Pakistan in an attempt to reach an agreement in which Iran abandons nuclear weapons and reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has stated that it wants to end the war permanently, not just a temporary ceasefire.