A U.S. crew member’s rescue would be a “powerful card” for Iran, according to a U.S. expert.
Laurel Rapp, Director of the U.S. and Northern America Program at Chatham House, described the recovery of the missing crew member from the downed aircraft as a “critical mission.” Rapp stated that securing the American crew member would represent a significant setback for Iran, providing them with “a very powerful card for negotiations,” as reported by BBC. If the individual is captured and images are released, this could further negatively impact public opinion of the war, which is currently unpopular, Rapp added.
“If those images were to emerge, they would change American perception dramatically.” The situation remains focused on the ongoing efforts to locate and secure the missing crew member.
