Pilots of F-15 shot down over Iran were pressured into interview – media

According to CNN, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials pressured two crew members of an F-15 shot down over Iran to give an interview to the program "60 Minutes." One pilot agreed, the second refused. The Pentagon denied the allegations.

According to CNN, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials pressured two crew members of an American F-15, shot down over Iran in April, to agree to tell their story on the CBS program "60 Minutes." Sources familiar with the situation say Hegseth initially opposed the possible interview, fearing he himself might be required to participate. Later, the secretary held a closed meeting with the rescued servicemen. As a result, one crew member, known by the call sign "Bravo," agreed to give an interview. The second, with the call sign "Alpha," declined the offer. US authorities have not yet officially released the names of both servicemen. CNN notes that the situation may indicate attempts by the administration to influence public perception of the war with Iran, which remains unpopular. The Pentagon denied these allegations. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell called the CNN report "a complete lie." According to him, each pilot made the decision to participate in the program independently, as it concerns their personal story. The American F-15 was shot down during the US and Israel's war against Iran. The pilot was rescued on the day the aircraft was shot down, while the second crew member—the weapons system officer—was evacuated by US special forces approximately 36 hours later during a special operation.