The drama unfolded after a US F-15E Strike Eagle went down over Iran this week. One pilot was rescued by elite US forces, but the second crew member is still missing in action.
Washington begged Tehran for a 48-hour ceasefire to aid the search for the missing airman. Tehran flatly refused.
On CNN, a US senator stressed that if Iran captures the missing pilot, it must treat him according to international humanitarian law. The senator said, “The message I wanted to convey is that if this second pilot is not rescued, he should be treated in accordance with international…”
Critics have pointed out the irony of the US demands, noting that the US has been bombing schools, hospitals, and civilian homes in Iran, actions seen as violations of humanitarian law. Despite this, the US is now calling on Iran to call a ceasefire and adhere to international rules if they find the pilot.
Iranian state media has offered a “precious prize” of around 10 billion tomans (£50,000) to locals who catch the “enemy pilot” alive and turn him in.
This tense situation remains a significant point of conflict between the US and Iran. Meanwhile, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer’s ratings have reportedly increased after he chose to stay out of this conflict.
Originally published by UKNIP.
