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US Air Force Officer Rescued from Iran Speaks to 60 Minutes

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 · 2 sources

A US Air Force officer who was rescued from Iran after his warplane was shot down has spoken publicly for the first time. He shared his account of the rescue operation with 60 Minutes correspondent Norah O'Donnell.

A US Air Force officer has spoken for the first time about his rescue from Iran after his warplane was shot down. The officer, a colonel, was interviewed by 60 Minutes correspondent Norah O'Donnell for the show's 59th season premiere. He described surviving a harrowing ejection from the plane and being injured. The colonel spent two days on the ground in Iran, evading Iranian forces before being rescued by American special forces in a complex operation. He also shared what he said to his rescuers when they arrived. The rescue operation was one of the largest and most complex in US military history, involving the Air Force and American special forces.

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What happened to the US warplane?

The warplane was shot down over Iran, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. The two-man crew had to eject from the plane and survive on the ground until help arrived.

How long did the Air Force officer spend on the ground in Iran?

The colonel spent two days on the ground in Iran, during which time he had to evade Iranian forces and survive his injuries.

Who conducted the rescue operation?

The rescue operation was carried out by American special forces and the Air Force. It was a complex and large-scale operation, involving multiple units and personnel.

What did the colonel say to his rescuers when they arrived?

The colonel shared what he said to his rescuers when they arrived, but the exact details of the conversation are not specified. He did describe the moment as a relief after spending two days in hiding.

Why is this rescue operation significant?

The rescue operation is significant because it was one of the largest and most complex in US military history. It involved a coordinated effort by multiple units and personnel to extract the crew from hostile territory.