Iran claimed that two C-130 aircraft were destroyed during a US operation to rescue a missing pilot. The US, however, stated that the pilot was rescued; contradictory statements between the parties drew attention.
A new development that increases military tension between Iran and the US has occurred. Ibrahim Zolfaghari, Spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters affiliated with the Iranian Armed Forces, made striking statements regarding the rescue operation conducted by the US.
Iran: “Two US Transport Aircraft Destroyed”
According to information reflected in the Iranian press and attributed to the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Zolfaghari referred to the operation carried out by the US to locate the missing second pilot of the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, which Iran claims to have shot down.
Zolfaghari claimed that two US C-130 Hercules transport aircraft were destroyed during the operation, stating: “Two US C-130 transport aircraft were destroyed.”
US Had Conducted a Rescue Operation
It had been reported that the US carried out an operation in the region to rescue the missing second pilot of the F-15E fighter jet shot down in Iran. Claims also included that intense clashes occurred between Iranian and US forces during the operation.
On the other hand, former US President Donald Trump announced in a statement following the incident that the second pilot on the downed aircraft had also been rescued.
Iran: “Rescue Attempt Failed”
The Iranian side denied the US statements. Zolfaghari argued that the rescue operation had failed and claimed that the missing pilot could not be reached.
