WASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, announced the rescue of a downed U.S. airman, and cited ongoing military operations as the conflict entered its sixth week.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and threatened further action. He also said U.S. forces rescued an Air Force officer whose aircraft was shot down over Iran, adding that the operation involved dozens of aircraft and that the officer sustained injuries but is expected to recover.
A U.S. official said one crew member from the downed aircraft was rescued shortly after the incident, while the second crew member evaded capture for more than a day before U.S. forces retrieved him. The official added that Iranian fire struck three rescue aircraft during the mission, including an A-10 Warthog, whose pilot later ejected in Kuwaiti airspace and was rescued. Two helicopters also sustained damage but returned safely to base.
An Israeli military official said Israel assisted in the rescue by sharing intelligence and pausing strikes in the search area.
Trump said the operation demonstrated U.S. air superiority, although recent incidents involving downed aircraft have raised questions among analysts. Two U.S. fighter jets were shot down in recent days, marking the first such losses in more than two decades.
Elsewhere, U.S. and Israeli forces continued airstrikes across Iran, including reported attacks on industrial and military sites. Iranian authorities reported casualties and damage to infrastructure, including a support building near a nuclear facility.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in the south, the Bekaa Valley, and suburbs of Beirut, which Israel said were linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah claimed it launched a missile at an Israeli warship, while Israeli officials said they were not aware of the incident.
Protests against the war took place in Tel Aviv, where police dispersed demonstrators and made arrests in accordance with wartime restrictions on large gatherings.
During Easter Sunday services at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to global conflict and urged those with power to choose peace.
Meanwhile, Russia continued evacuating personnel from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Officials from Russia’s nuclear agency said nearly 200 workers left the facility shortly before a reported strike in the area. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is monitoring the situation and expressed concern about ongoing fighting near nuclear infrastructure.
Trump also reiterated a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying time was running out for compliance.
