Iran strikes energy sites in Kuwait as US rescues downed pilot

American forces have recovered a crew member from a downed F-15 during clashes with Iranian forces. President Donald Trump described the operation as "one of the most daring search and rescue operations in U.S. history." The officer, identified as a colonel, was rescued in mountainous terrain inside Iran after sustaining injuries and is now "safe and sound." Trump revealed that a second US pilot had been rescued in a separate operation a day earlier, which had not been disclosed at the time for operational security reasons.

Meanwhile, Iran struck several energy sites in Kuwait, including the headquarters of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, which was hit by a drone. The barrage came after Trump warned that "all hell will rain down" on Iran unless the Strait of Hormuz is unblocked within 48 hours. Iran closed the vital waterway to "enemy ships" following the first wave of US and Israeli attacks on February 28, driving up oil and gas prices worldwide.

In separate incidents, a US A-10 Thunderbolt II was hit by Iranian fire on Friday, with the pilot ejecting after leaving Iranian airspace and later being rescued. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization condemned the latest strike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant - the fourth since hostilities began - accusing the IAEA of "inaction" and warning of potential legal action. The projectile hit near the facility's perimeter, killing a security guard and damaging an auxiliary building.

Iran's central military command rejected Trump's 48-hour ultimatum, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi calling it "a helpless, nervous, unbalanced attempt." The IAEA confirmed it had been informed of the Bushehr incident and reported no rise in radiation levels, though Director General Rafael Grossi expressed "deep concern" and warned that nuclear sites "must never be attacked."