In a dramatic account of the rescue of a downed F-15 crew member inside Iran, President Donald Trump told Axios that US officials initially feared the stranded officer’s radio transmission was part of an Iranian trap meant to lure American forces into an ambush. The concern was sparked by the three-word message, ‘God is good’ sent by the stranded weapons systems officer after ejecting over Iran, which briefly raised suspicions that Iranian forces might be using false signals to set a trap.
The wounded weapons systems officer survived for more than 24 hours in mountainous terrain before being extracted in a high-risk nighttime special forces mission involving around 200 troops.
According to Trump, the officer hid in a mountain crevice while “thousands” of Iranian troops and local civilians searched for him, with Tehran allegedly offering rewards for his capture. US surveillance technology eventually tracked his location, but an unusual radio message, initially heard as “Power be to God” and later clarified by defense officials as “God is good” briefly raised concerns that he may have been captured and that Iranian forces were transmitting false signals. Officials later confirmed the officer was alive and still evading capture.
The rescue followed an earlier daylight operation to recover the F-15 pilot, who had landed several miles away after ejecting from the aircraft. US defense officials described the first extraction as a “bold and quick snatch” under heavy Iranian fire, while the second mission was conducted overnight after American forces established a temporary base inside Iranian territory. Both crew members were ultimately rescued safely despite intense fighting in the area.
Trump also told Axios that Israel provided limited assistance during the operation. While US officials said Israeli intelligence did not directly help locate the missing officer, it did provide situational awareness on Iranian troop movements, and the Israeli Air Force reportedly carried out a strike to slow Iranian forces advancing toward the rescue zone. Calling the partnership strong, Trump said the two allies had worked closely during the operation.
