That left part of the rescue force suddenly at risk of being stranded inside Iranian territory, creating what one U.S. official described as the mission’s real “holy shit” moment.

With time running out and exposure risk rising, U.S. commanders made the decision to send in additional aircraft to extract the force in waves.

The rescue team reportedly had to wait for several tense hours before the backup plan succeeded.

Once extraction was completed, U.S. forces reportedly destroyed the disabled aircraft on the ground rather than leave sensitive equipment behind.

According to Reuters, the U.S. destroyed:
• 2 disabled MC-130 aircraft
• 4 additional helicopters

Source: Reuters

The officer had reportedly sprained his ankle and was hiding in a crevice on a hilltop, using survival and evasion techniques after ejecting.

Before rescue forces moved in, he had to authenticate his identity to ensure U.S. troops were not being lured into an Iranian trap.

Source: Reuters

1) Immediate Phase
• Ceasefire starts right away.
• Strait of Hormuz reopens immediately (key for global oil).

2) Follow-up Phase (15–20 days)
• Final comprehensive peace deal negotiated.
• Tentatively called the “Islamabad Accord”.

The final deal may include:
• Iran agrees to limits on nuclear program (no weapons).

In return:
• Sanctions relief.
• Release of frozen assets.
• Broader regional framework for Hormuz security.

Source: Reuters