Washington, April 7
President Donald Trump said some US military officials opposed a high-risk rescue mission in Iran, warning it could cost hundreds of lives, but he approved it anyway to bring back two downed airmen.
"Not everybody was on board," Trump said. He added that "there were military people... that preferred not doing it."
The mission took place deep inside Iranian territory after an F-15 fighter jet went down. Two crew members ejected and were stranded behind enemy lines.
Trump said the operation involved "hundreds and hundreds" of personnel. He said the risk was severe.
"Hundreds of people could have been killed," he said.
Some officials advised against it.
"They said... You just don't do this. You don't go into the heart of a very powerful military," Trump said.
He said he understood the concerns but went ahead.
"I understood that, but I decided to do it," he said.
The rescue unfolded in two phases. The first airman was recovered in a daylight mission. The second, who was injured, evaded capture for hours before being located and rescued.
Trump highlighted the dangers of flying over hostile territory.
"We flew seven hours over Iran... that's a long time over unbelievably hostile territory," he said.
He said US forces had weakened Iranian defences but not eliminated them.
"They still have... a shoulder... missile," he said.
Military planners warned of heavy losses.
"They said... we're going to be sacrificing hundreds of people," Trump said.
In the end, both airmen were rescued. No American lives were lost.
Trump said the outcome exceeded expectations.
"If you had told me... nobody was even essentially injured, I would have said that would be impossible," he said.
Officials said the mission required coordination across air, ground, and intelligence units. It lasted more than two days.
The operation comes amid high tensions between the United States and Iran. Washington has stepped up military pressure while keeping the door open for negotiations.
The US military has long adhered to the "leave no one behind" principle. But such missions are rare. They are often avoided due to high risks.
Operations inside Iran are especially complex. The terrain is rugged. The military presence is dense. That raises the stakes for any future action.
- IANS
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