The operation, described by former President Trump as one of the boldest in US history, followed the Iranian military’s announcement of shooting down a US fighter jet in southwestern Iran and offering a reward for the soldier’s capture. Prior to the rescue, a firefight occurred, and another US aircraft was reportedly downed near the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iranian Revolutionary Guards reported the downing of a tanker aircraft in Isfahan. No official response has been issued from Washington as of yet.