04/06/2026
🇺🇸🇮🇷 U.S. rescue mission in Iran reportedly nearly failed after MC-130 aircraft malfunction
According to Reuters, a U.S. special operations rescue mission in Iran came close to failure after two MC-130 aircraft used for infiltration reportedly suffered technical issues and were unable to take off, leaving part of the force at risk of being stranded. One official described the moment as “extremely dangerous.”
Under the cover of darkness, approximately 100 U.S. special operations personnel reportedly infiltrated deep into Iranian territory, moving through mountainous terrain south of Tehran and climbing to elevations of roughly 7,000 feet in order to reach the downed crew member of a F-15E Strike Eagle.
The F-15E aircrew member, reportedly suffering from a sprained ankle after ejecting, hid in a rocky crevice and relied on survival training while awaiting extraction. Before the rescue could proceed, identification procedures were conducted to ensure the situation was not a trap.
Prior to the operation, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) allegedly carried out a deception effort by spreading misleading information within Iran suggesting the pilot had already been located. During the mission, U.S. forces also reportedly disrupted communications and struck nearby routes to prevent others from approaching the extraction zone.
After the MC-130 aircraft experienced technical failures, U.S. commanders reportedly deployed additional aircraft to conduct a phased withdrawal. The rescue team was forced to wait several hours until contingency plans became operational.
According to the report, U.S. forces later destroyed the disabled aircraft on site to prevent sensitive equipment from falling into Iranian hands, including two MC-130 aircraft and four helicopters.
