Iranian forces were searching on Saturday for a missing U.S. pilot after two American warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf, a dramatic escalation as the conflict entered its sixth week with no meaningful progress toward peace.
The incidents underscore the dangers still facing U.S. and Israeli aircraft operating near Iran, despite repeated assurances from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that American forces maintain full control of the skies.
The possibility of a U.S. service member alive and evading capture inside Iran comes just days after Trump threatened to bomb the country “back to the Stone Ages” rhetoric that has intensified fears in a war that has already killed thousands, triggered a global energy crisis and rattled the world economy.
Iran’s leadership has remained defiant throughout the conflict. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signalled that Tehran is open to mediation particularly through Pakistan he offered no indication that Iran is prepared to accept Washington’s demands.
“We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,” Araqchi said on X. “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us.”
With the search for the missing pilot underway and diplomatic channels strained, the conflict shows little sign of easing and the risks for both nations continue to rise.
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