U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation involving the rescue of airmen from a downed F-15 during a recent news conference, providing new details about the operation and the ongoing military campaign over Iran.

Trump confirmed that the rescue mission for the second airman was met with close-range gunfire, damaging equipment, including helicopters, The Caspian Post reports, citing Al Jazeera.

Two aircraft were left at the site and subsequently destroyed.

The operation involved approximately 155 U.S. aircraft, including 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling tankers, and 13 rescue aircraft, highlighting the scale of the mission.

Officials are reportedly seeking the identity of the "leaker" who first revealed to a media organization that a second airman from the downed F-15 was missing in Iran.

Trump also outlined the broader military campaign, stating that more than 10,000 combat flights have been conducted over Iran since the start of the war, targeting 13,000 sites.

In a pointed warning, Trump said the entire nation of Iran “can be taken out in one night, and that night may be tomorrow night,” underscoring the ongoing tensions in the region.

The news conference offered rare insight into U.S. military operations in Iran and the challenges involved in rescue efforts under hostile conditions.