False Signal Alarm: US Feared Iran ‘Trap’ During F-15 Pilot Rescue Mission, Says Trump

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 06:51 IST

Trump says US rescue of downed F 15 crew in Iran faced suspected trap, 200 special forces recovered injured officer under fire, Israel gave limited intelligence support

After a successful operation to recover a downed US F-15 crew member, Donald Trump said American forces feared Iran may have been trying to lure them into a trap. He told Axios that the rescue mission unfolded under serious suspicion that Tehran was attempting to ambush US troops.

The incident involved a wounded crew member stranded in Iran’s mountainous terrain for more than a day, highlighting the risks in the ongoing conflict.

Doubts over radio message

Trump said concerns began after the officer sent a brief message over the radio following ejection. “He said: ‘Power be to God.’"

A US defence official later clarified the exact words were: “God is good." The phrase raised doubts, with Trump saying it sounded unusual and sparked fears the officer might already be in Iranian custody and that “false signals" were being used. 

However, those concerns were later dismissed. Officials confirmed the officer was alive, noting he was deeply religious.

Survival in harsh terrain

The officer survived for over 24 hours while injured, hiding in mountainous terrain. Trump said he took cover in a crevice as Iranian forces searched the area.

“Thousands of these savages were hunting him down," Trump said, adding that civilians were also offered rewards to capture him.

US forces used technology and “beeping information" to locate his position.

Two-stage rescue operation

Around 200 special operations troops took part in the mission. The pilot was rescued earlier in daylight under heavy fire in what a US official described as “a bold and quick snatch."

The second rescue took place at night after US forces set up a temporary base inside Iran. The two crew members had landed miles apart, with “hundreds of IRGC soldiers" in the area.

US F-15E jet shot down, Israel offered limited help

Trump said the F-15 was brought down by a shoulder-fired missile, adding, “They got lucky."

He also said Israel helped “a little bit" in the operation. US officials noted Israel did not provide the officer’s location but shared general intelligence. Israeli forces carried out one strike to stop Iranian troops from reaching the area.

“They have been good partners… We are like a big brother and little brother," Trump said.

 The F-15E jet was shot down on April 3. Both the pilots ejected safely – one was rescued immediately while the other was rescued on Sunday, April 5. Iran initially claimed to have the second pilot in its custody.

News world False Signal Alarm: US Feared Iran ‘Trap’ During F-15 Pilot Rescue Mission, Says Trump

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