Iran downing US planes won't affect negotiations: Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said that the downing of two US military aircraft by Iran will not impact ongoing negotiations. No, not at all. No, it's war. We're in a war, he told NBC News. US officials, as cited by Reuters, confirmed that an F-15E Strike Eagle and an A-10 Warthog were shot down over Iranian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations.
Rescue operation
US military is working on a rescue mission
Reports confirmed that two of the three pilots were rescued, with one still missing. The US military is working on a rescue mission for the missing pilot. Iran's state media has also reported that they are searching for this pilot, with an Iranian television reporter offering a valuable reward to anyone who captures a crew member alive.
Mockery
Iran mocks US
Iran's Parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, took to the social media platform X to mock the US campaign. He sarcastically said that after claiming victories over Iran, the US campaign has now changed from regime change to rescuing its pilots. This comes as diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have reportedly stalled after Tehran refused to attend scheduled talks.
Proposal
Iranian foreign minister proposes deal to US
Meanwhile, former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has proposed a deal with Washington in an article for Foreign Affairs. He suggested Iran should limit its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump has maintained that Iran must accept a peace deal or face continued US military pressure.