Iranian forces were hunting for a missing US pilot on Saturday from one of two warplanes downed over Iran and the Gulf, Reuters reported. Any potential capture of the pilot would provide Iran with leverage and raise the stakes for the US in an escalating war that shows no sign of ending six weeks in. Iran seems to be stepping up efforts to get to the pilot before the US does. According to the thinktank French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), Iran uses the detention of Western nationals, dual citizens, or Iranian citizens residing in Europe, Australia or the US as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. What laid the groundwork for this was the Iran hostage crisis of 1979.

Source: Indian Express April 04, 2026 16:53 UTC