According to a US government source speaking to Al Jazeera, the missing airman has been located and retrieved, but cautioned that the rescue operation remains incomplete.

The individual is still inside Iranian territory and has not yet been brought to safety, the report added.

“The crew member is confirmed rescued, but not safe yet,” the official said, noting that US forces must still successfully exfiltrate from Iran amid ongoing hostilities.

Reports indicate the situation remains fluid and dangerous, with risks to both the recovered airman and personnel involved in the extraction effort.

There has been no confirmation that the rescue team has exited Iranian territory.

Details about the airman, including their identity and gender, have not been disclosed by US authorities.