A core U.S. military principle—“no one left behind”—was put to the test in a high-risk rescue mission inside Iran.

The mission followed the downing of an F-15 jet, leaving one airman stranded while the other was rescued.

The missing officer survived by staying hidden and minimizing detection.

The CIA tracked his movements, while U.S. forces launched a rescue operation involving deception and air support.

The airman was successfully evacuated and flown to Kuwait. Donald Trump confirmed the operation.

Iran denies the mission succeeded.