US celebrates successful rescue of F-15E crew member as Trump's Iran ultimatum ticks down

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said on Sunday that the only reason he sees for U.S. troops on the ground in the war on Iran would be to "get the enriched uranium."

"I think the question, moving forward, with respect to any troops on the ground, would be: For what purpose? And I think the only purpose that I could see would be to get the enriched uranium," Lawler said during an appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press."

"And I think that is something that does need to be discussed with Congress in a classified setting," he continued. "And I think Congress would need to be briefed on that particular matter."

This comes as President Donald Trump is weighing whether to put U.S. troops on the ground in Iran to seize the country's enriched uranium, which could leave service members vulnerable to Iranian short-range missile and drone attacks.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., on Sunday said President Donald Trump's threats to attack Iran's power plants and bridges would violate the law of armed conflict under the Geneva Conventions and the Pentagon's Law of War Manual.

"It is both irresponsible and wrong to indiscriminately kill civilians in Iran and destroy civilian infrastructure like bridges and power plants — particularly when the President said this war was to aid the Iranian people," Slotkin wrote on X.

"On top of that, it’s our service members who are put in legal and mortal danger. And when the smoke clears, it will be our service members -- not President Trump or Secretary Hegseth -- who could have to live with the consequences," she continued.

The Michigan Democrat said Trump "has walked us into another complicated war in the Middle East."

"His decisions are making us less safe abroad, raising prices and costing American blood and treasure. He must negotiate a way to end this war, open the Strait of Hormuz, and bring our warriors home," she wrote.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., on Sunday criticized President Donald Trump's threats toward Iran, saying they would amount to "war crimes."

"Trump is calling reporters today to tell them he is going to commit mass war crimes next week," Murphy wrote on X. "GOP leaders need to stop him."

"Never mind that blowing up bridges and power plants and killing innocent Iranians won’t reopen the Strait. It’s also a clear war crime," he continued.

The senator made the comment in response to Trump telling ABC News that the conflict in Iran should be over in days, not weeks, but that he would blow up the whole country with "very little" off the table if a deal is not made.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump wrote, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran."

"There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F---in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah," he wrote on Truth Social.

Iranian missile strikes hit two sites in the northern Israeli city of Haifa on Monday, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom and Fire and Rescue services.

The impacted sites were seen with active fires and bombed cars in what appeared to be a residential area.

It is unclear whether the damage was from direct hits or from falling shrapnel due to interceptions.

The strikes come a day after another attack in which Iran also struck a residential area in Haifa, killing two people and injuring several others.

Two people remained trapped in the rubble caused Sunday's attack. Their fate is still unknown.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

U.S. Central Command on Sunday released images it said showed Marines preparing Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, during the ongoing war against Iran.

"U.S. Marines prepare M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) during Operation Epic Fury," CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Downed over enemy territory and forced to evade capture, a U.S. airman’s survival highlights the high-stakes training that prepares pilots for the worst, a former Air Force fighter pilot said Sunday.

"As a F-16 fighter pilot , I'll tell you that the last thing we do before we step to go fly a combat sortie is we brief up the CSAR mission and understanding what will happen if we have to get out of that aircraft," Lt. Col. Dan Rooney told "Fox & Friends Weekend."

"And we have a motto, 'Stay ready so you don't have to get ready,'" he said.

U.S. forces rescued a missing U.S. weapons system officer from a downed F-15E in Iran following a multiday search inside enemy territory as Iranian forces simultaneously searched the area.

Find out what else Lt. Col. Dan Rooney said about surviving in Iran.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley.

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman said on "The Sunday Briefing" that a reported agency deception campaign may have helped draw Iranian forces away from a missing U.S. airman, offering new insight into the mission that culminated in a daring rescue behind enemy lines.

It was reported that the CIA attempted to deceive the Iranians into believing the U.S. was gearing up for a maritime rescue, Hoffman said, when in reality, the airman was exfiltrated from the mountains.

The CIA also assisted in tracking both the missing airman and enemy forces, he said.

Find out what else Dan Hoffman said about the CIA’s efforts to deceive the Iranians.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Max Bacall.

Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer said the survival of a downed U.S. pilot in hostile territory reflects the training and resilience of American forces, describing the situation as a “worst case scenario” for any service member.

Speaking on “The Big Weekend Show,” Meyer said the pilot likely faced extreme uncertainty while evading capture, noting the danger of being alone in enemy territory while knowing adversaries were actively searching.

“I could only imagine this is…probably a worst case scenario for any of us to be by ourselves and not know if somebody's coming, when they're coming or how they're coming,” Meyer said, adding that the pilot held high value if Iranians were able to capture him.

Meyer said the pilot’s ability to survive and avoid capture highlights the effectiveness of military training, adding that such scenarios are designed for the most extreme conditions.

“Obviously it worked,” Meyer said. “I think so many times, you know we go through training and this is a worst case scenario situation and you just don't know if it's gonna work.”

He also emphasized the military’s commitment to recovering its personnel, saying the rescue effort reflects a core principle of U.S. forces.

“Leave no man behind is not…it's not a cool t-shirt phrase or anything like that,” Meyer said. “For us that go to combat, it's a way of life and it's something that we mean.”

Meyer added that the operation sends a clear message to Iran about U.S. capabilities and resolve, pointing to what he described as the “superiority” of American forces. 

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said President Donald Trump is prepared to escalate action against Iran if necessary, saying “he’ll do what he has to do” as tensions continue to rise.

Speaking with Fox News’ Peter Doocy on “The Sunday Briefing,” Issa said the president’s approach has focused on stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions while also pressuring the regime to change its behavior or leadership through either force or negotiation.

“The president’s made it clear that the first hit was to stop the nuclear development when it was on the precipice of being used,” Issa said. “The second one is to change the behavior of the administration or change administration…At the end of the day, he’ll do what he has to do.”

Issa also emphasized that Trump is seeking to avoid putting U.S. troops at risk whenever possible, saying the president is prioritizing American lives while relying on alternative strategies.

“He’s not putting our boots in harm’s way unless absolutely necessary,” Issa said.

The California Republican also pointed to domestic security concerns, referencing recent immigration enforcement actions and warning of individuals entering the country with harmful intent.

A high-risk U.S. special operations mission to rescue a downed American service member inside Iran nearly unraveled when multiple aircraft suffered mechanical failures, forcing commanders to make a last-minute decision to extract troops under mounting risk.

The operation had initially unfolded smoothly, with U.S. commandos entering Iranian territory under cover of darkness to locate and recover the stranded airman, Reuters reported, citing U.S. officials familiar with the mission.

But two MC-130 aircraft used to transport forces into the region were unable to take off, raising the possibility that dozens of elite troops could be stranded behind enemy lines.

U.S. commanders ordered additional aircraft into Iran to extract the force in stages, a risky move that left troops waiting for hours in hostile territory before they could be safely evacuated. U.S. forces ultimately destroyed the disabled aircraft and additional helicopters to prevent sensitive equipment from falling into Iranian hands.

The mission was supported by a broader intelligence and disruption effort, with the CIA carrying out a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces, while U.S. military units jammed communications and struck nearby roads to limit movement around the extraction site.

The rescue marked the recovery of the second crew member from a U.S. F-15E fighter jet that was shot down over Iran, capping one of the most dangerous episodes of the ongoing conflict as President Donald Trump weighs next steps in a war that has already killed thousands.

Reuters contributed to this report.

March 21: In a social media post, President Donald Trump declared that if Iran did not "FULLY OPEN" the strait within 48 hours, the United States would "obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"

March 23: Two days later, Trump said the U.S. had had "productive" conversations with Iran and that he had ordered the Pentagon to delay any strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. Iranian officials publicly denied that any talks were taking place.

March 26: Trump extended his deadline — this time by 10 days, to April 6 at 8 p.m. Eastern — saying he was "pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction" at the Iranian government’s request.

March 30: Trump said there was "great progress" in negotiations to end the conflict. At the same time, he warned that if a deal was not reached and the Strait of Hormuz was not "immediately" opened, the U.S. would destroy Iran’s power plants, oil wells and Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub.

April 1: Trump said Iran had requested a cease-fire, a claim Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson called "false and baseless," according to the state news agency IRIB.

In a social media post, Trump said the U.S. would consider a cease-fire only once the strait was "open, free and clear," adding: "Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!"

April 4: Trump warned that "time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them."

President Donald Trump is set to hold a news conference Monday afternoon in the Press Briefing Room alongside military officials, according to a post from the White House on X.

The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with the White House describing it as a display of “American strength” and urging viewers not to miss it.

The announcement comes as U.S. military operations continue in the Middle East, where American forces have carried out strikes targeting Iran-backed threats in recent days.

U.S. jet fuel prices have surged at one of the fastest paces in years, more than doubling in a matter of weeks as the war with Iran intensifies.

Prices jumped from about $2.11 per gallon in January to $4.88 by April 2, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index, a daily benchmark tracking prices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York. The surge marks one of the fastest increases since 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent fuel markets into turmoil.

Jet fuel, one of airlines’ largest expenses, is especially volatile due to thin inventories, specialized storage requirements and limited spot trading. Unlike gasoline or diesel, supply cannot be easily redirected, amplifying price swings when markets tighten.

Airlines are already warning that inventories could run dangerously low within weeks. Fuel typically accounts for roughly 20% to 30% of an airline’s operating costs, meaning sharp increases can quickly pressure margins.

That could translate into higher airfares and potential flight reductions, especially on long-haul routes where fuel consumption is greatest. With peak summer travel approaching, travelers may begin to feel the impact sooner rather than later.

Iran’s disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slashed tanker traffic by more than 90% and is now threatening global food security and economic stability, Bahrain’s foreign minister warned as he called for urgent international action.

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said the situation has escalated beyond initial threats to vessels and now poses a broader risk to global stability, warning that time is a critical factor as the crisis deepens.

He said the consequences are no longer limited to energy markets, with disruptions now affecting global food supply chains, including anticipated fertilizer shortages and rising hunger risks.

Citing United Nations estimates, Al Zayani warned that an additional 45 million people could face acute hunger, while around 4 million people in the Arab world could be pushed into poverty if the crisis persists.

Al Zayani said Bahrain has introduced a draft resolution before the U.N. Security Council, emphasizing the crisis is not a regional dispute but a global emergency, and warning that failure to act could further disrupt shipments of food, medicine and energy worldwide.

Gas prices are continuing to climb as the ongoing conflict with Iran drives up crude oil costs, pushing prices higher at the pump nationwide.

The national average now stands at $4.11 per gallon, up about 86 cents from a month ago, according to AAA. Costs are climbing across nearly every region, with some states already well above the U.S. average.

On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.92 per gallon in California and $5.37 in Washington. Meanwhile, on the East Coast, gas prices have surpassed $4 in several areas, including $4.27 in Washington, D.C. and $4.06 in New York.

In the Midwest, Illinois stands out at $4.29 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Southern states remain comparatively cheaper, though prices are rising there as well. Texas and South Carolina are both averaging about $3.82, while Florida is higher at $4.20.

Find out more about gas prices across the U.S.

This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said strikes against Iran are ongoing following the recovery of two American service members, as operations intensify to dismantle the regime’s ability to project power beyond its borders.

The two service members were rescued in separate search and rescue missions after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down April 2 during a combat operation, with both safely recovered by April 4, officials said.

CENTCOM said the continued strikes are part of a broader effort to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, targeting assets tied to the regime’s ability to operate beyond its territory as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to rise.

For the first time on record, average diesel prices in San Francisco have surged past $8 per gallon, according to new data from GasBuddy—marking an unprecedented milestone for any U.S. city.

The jump comes as the war with Iran pushes global oil prices higher, underscoring the volatility in fuel markets and how California-specific factors—like stricter regulations, higher taxes and limited supply—can drive prices well above the national average.

San Francisco has long had some of the highest fuel costs in the country, but crossing the $8 threshold for diesel represents a new benchmark—even for a state accustomed to elevated energy prices. 

Diesel, which powers much of the nation’s freight, shipping and public transportation systems, is especially sensitive to refining capacity and global supply disruptions.

The surge is expected to ripple beyond the Bay Area. Higher diesel costs often translate into increased transportation and shipping expenses, which can ultimately push up prices for goods and services nationwide.

Meanwhile, gas prices are rising across nearly every region, with some states already well above the national average.

As of April 5, the national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.11 per gallon, according to AAA – up 86 cents from a month earlier. On the West Coast, drivers are seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.92 per gallon in California and $5.37 in Washington. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox Business' Amanda Macias.

President Donald Trump says he thinks Iran's negotiators are "close" to making a deal to end the war.

Trump made the comments during an interview with Fox News' Trey Yingst on Sunday, saying Operation Epic Fury remains "under control."

"We have it under control, seriously under control. They want to make a deal so good, they just can't get to the final starting line...But I think they're close," Trump said.

President Donald Trump says he has granted Iranian negotiators "immunity from death" amid ceasefire talks with the U.S.

Trump made the statement during an interview with Fox News' Trey Yingst on Sunday, going on to say that Operation Epic Fury remains "under control."

"We've given them immunity from death. And we've told the people that we're dealing with, who are the top people," Trump said.

"The big thing is they're not going to have a nuclear weapon. They're not even negotiating that point, it's so easy. That's already been conceded. Most of the points are conceded," he added.

Retired Marine Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., joined 'Fox News Sunday' to discuss the success of Operation Epic Fury, criticizing the move to highlight the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it gave Iran leverage in negotiations.

Auchincloss declared the operation a "strategic failure," even as President Donald Trump and Pentagon officials have touted huge losses in Iran's military capability.

The "daring" U.S. military rescue of a "seriously wounded" airman is being hailed as an American success story, as President Donald Trump announced "we got him!" and detailed the "AMAZING show of bravery and talent," turning a potential American setback into a show of might.

Details about the rescue are trickling in, including senior administration officials telling Fox News how the CIA deflected enemy attention with a "deception campaign."

The CIA spread word in Iran through multiple sources that U.S. forces had already found the second of two airmen who ejected from their F-15e, and were moving him out of Iran in a maritime exfiltration elsewhere, sources told Fox News, but that was designed to buy time to find the stranded weapons system officer.

The CIA picked up a distress signal, passing the intelligence on to the Pentagon and White House, which ordered the immediate rescue mission, according to sources.

There was initial fear the "beacon signal" was an Iranian "trap," sources said.

"There was a lot at stake here," the source said.

Once the CIA confirmed Saturday morning that this was not an Iranian trap, the missing airman was located using advanced technical capabilities.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Eric Mack.

Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., discussed the rescue of a U.S. airman after a fighter jet was downed over Iran this weekend.

Baumgartner also discussed the CIA's role in the operation, which reportedly involved feeding false information to Iranian sources to divert their own efforts to find the crew member.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Donald Trump on Sunday after the U.S. rescued a second F-15E crew member shot down over Iran.

“Congratulations President Trump! All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America's dauntless warriors," Netanyahu wrote.

"This proves that when free societies muster their courage and their resolve, they can confront seemingly insurmountable odds and overcome the forces of darkness and terror.  This rescue operation reinforces the sacred principle: No one is left behind," he continued.

" his is a shared value demonstrated time and time again in the history of both our countries.  As a nation that repeatedly carried out daring rescue operations, and as someone who was wounded in such a mission and lost a brother in the Entebbe rescue, Israelis and I, we know what a bold decision you took.  President Trump, Donald, my dear friend, once again your decisive leadership brought another great victory to America.  I salute you!" he added.

The U.S. sent guns to anti-regime protesters in Iran amid the wider war against Tehran, President Donald Trump confirmed to Fox News on Sunday.

Trump made the comment during an interview with Fox News' Try Yingst, saying the U.S. delivered the weapons through the Kurds.

"We sent them a lot of guns. We sent them through the Kurds. And I think the Kurds kept them," Trump said.

"We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them. And I think the Kurds took the guns," he added.

The White House on Friday proposed a sweeping fiscal year 2027 budget that would dramatically increase military spending to roughly $1.5 trillion while cutting billions from domestic programs, marking a sharp shift in federal priorities toward national security and border enforcement.

The proposal outlines roughly $1.5 trillion in total defense resources, a figure the administration says is needed to address growing threats from China, Russia and other adversaries.

The request includes about $1.1 trillion in base discretionary funding for the Department of War, along with an additional $350 billion in mandatory funding to support priorities such as munitions production and expansion of the defense industrial base.

If enacted, the plan would represent one of the largest increases in U.S. defense spending in decades, though the total includes a mix of discretionary funding and mandatory resources that are not typically combined in standard Pentagon budget comparisons.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Morgan Phillips.

President Donald Trump issued a profanity-laced threat against Iran's regime on Sunday, demanding that they "open the f****** strait."

Trump gave Iran a Monday deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the U.S. begins targeting Iran's energy infrastructure.

"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump earlier announced that he would be holding a press conference at the White House on Monday alongside members of the military.

President Donald Trump says he and members of the military will hold a press conference at the White House on Monday after the successful rescue of the second F-15E crew member shot down over Iran.

Trump said the crew member, a colonel, is "seriously wounded," but offered no further details about his injuries.

"We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran. The Iranian Military was looking hard, in big numbers, and getting close. He is a highly respected Colonel," Trump wrote.

"This type of raid is seldom attempted because of the danger to 'man and equipment.' It just doesn’t happen! The second raid came after the first one, where we rescued the pilot in broad daylight, also unusual, spending seven hours over Iran," he continued.

"An AMAZING show of bravery and talent by all! I will be having a News Conference, with the Military, at the Oval Office, on Monday, at 1:00 P.M. God Bless our great MILITARY WARRIORS!" Trump added.

Two relatives of slain Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani living in Los Angeles were taken into custody by federal agents after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their green cards, officials said.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as Soleimani’s niece, and her daughter were arrested and are now being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to an announcement Saturday from the State Department.

The Trump administration says Afshar has been a supporter of Iran’s "totalitarian, terrorist" regime.

"Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani," Rubio wrote on X. "She is also an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the 'Great Satan.'

"This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States."

In January 2020, a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Soleimani during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.

While living in the U.S., Afshar "promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the 'Great Satan,' and voiced her unflinching support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terrorist organization," the State Department said.

"[Afshar] pushed this propaganda for Iran’s terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account," the department said.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Sophia Compton.

President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz entered its second day on Sunday.

Trump warned the regime that "all hell will rain down" on it if a deal isn't reached, threatening to target Iran's energy infrastructure.

“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!" he added.

Trump has demanded Iran fully abandon its nuclear weapons capabilities — including halting enrichment — while also curbing its missile program and regional activity in exchange for potential sanctions relief.

U.S. forces have located and evacuated the missing weapons systems officer who was downed over Iran, two senior US officials and multiple well placed sources in the region confirmed to Fox News.

The airman had been unaccounted for after an F-15E fighter jet was shot down, triggering an intense search-and-rescue operation in hostile territory.

Details remain limited, but reports indicate U.S. personnel reached the service member behind enemy lines in Iran and successfully extracted him, with all personnel now safely out of the country.

More details will be reported as they become available.

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report.