NPR News: 04-05-2026 11AM EDT

US forces successfully rescued an Air Force colonel whose F-15 fighter jet was shot down over western Iran on Friday, amid heightened tensions in the region. President Trump praised the operation and escalated threats against Iran. Other headlines include Israeli strikes in Lebanon, diplomatic outreach on the Iran conflict, a new Hollywood writers' contract, and a college basketball upset.

Rescue of US Airman in Iran

The weapons officer, described by President Trump as a "brave warrior," evaded capture by hiding in Iran's mountainous terrain after the jet was hit. The pilot was extracted quickly, but the colonel remained behind enemy lines. US rescue aircraft faced fire during the operation but reached the airman and flew him out. According to the Wall Street Journal, two participating planes could not depart, so US troops destroyed them before leaving on another aircraft. Trump highlighted the mission's risks on Truth Social, calling it "a very important thing to do." He followed with a profanity-laden post threatening strikes on Iran's power plants and bridges—labeling Tuesday as "Power Plant Day and Bridge Day"—unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz by his Monday deadline. The post ended with "Praise be to Allah."