US President Donald Trump on Monday addressed the press as his 48-hour deadline for Iran approached, detailing a high-risk mission to rescue two American airmen while escalating his warnings against Tehran.
The briefing followed the downing of a US Air Force F-15E over southwestern Iran, which forced its crew to eject into hostile territory. After nearly two days of coordinated military and intelligence operations, both pilots were successfully recovered.
Here are the key quotes from Trump and senior US officials:
Trump on military action and Iran
- “Iran could be taken out in one night — and that night might be tomorrow night.”
- “Iranians want us to keep bombing as they want freedom.”
On the rescue operation
- “US military personnel faced gunfire at very close range during the rescue.”
- “God was watching us,” he said, calling the mission’s success extraordinary.
- “I ordered the US armed forces to do whatever was necessary… We leave no American behind.”
- “It was like finding a needle in a haystack,” he added, describing how one airman hid in mountainous terrain to aid recovery.
Scale of the mission
- “The second rescue mission involved 155 aircraft.”
- “More than 170 US military aircraft were deployed overall.”
- “It included four bombers, 64 fighters, 48 refueling tankers, and 13 rescue aircraft.”
- Trump also noted that two transport planes were lost after becoming stuck in sand.
On alleged media leak
- “We have to find that leaker because that’s a sick person.”
- He warned it was a “national security” issue and said those responsible could face jail if they do not cooperate.
- “They put this mission at great risk.”
On broader military operations
- “Over the past 37 days, America’s armed forces have carried out more than 10,000 combat flights over Iran.”
- “More than 13,000 targets” have been struck under what he described as Operation Epic Fury.
- “It’s a record unparalleled in the history of military air operations.”
Remarks from US officials
CIA Director John Ratcliffe
- Said the CIA ran a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces.
- “It was like finding a needle in a haystack,” he noted, confirming one pilot was found alive before extraction.
- Added that Iran was “embarrassed” by the operation.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
- “Our troops turned a potential tragedy into a resounding demonstration of American resolve.”
- Warned that the US would act “anywhere, at any time” to protect its personnel.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine
- Called the mission “incredibly dangerous.”
- “We fulfilled our sacred obligation — to bring our people home.”
The press conference underscored both the scale of the rescue mission and the intensifying rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, with the looming deadline adding urgency to an already volatile situation.
