The fate of the second pilot of a US fighter jet shot down over Iran could influence the дальнейший ход конфликта, The Telegraph reports.

According to the publication, one crew member has already been evacuated by US special forces, while the search for the second continues. The outcome of this situation may directly affect decisions in Washington.

The newspaper states that the successful rescue of both pilots would strengthen US confidence and could push toward continuing or expanding the military operation, including the possibility of ground action. If the second pilot is captured, it could increase domestic pressure in the US to halt strikes and move toward negotiations, while giving Iran leverage to demand concessions.

The Telegraph draws parallels with the 1979 hostage crisis, when the fate of US diplomats in Tehran became a central issue in American politics and influenced the outcome of presidential elections.

The most dangerous scenario, according to the publication, is the death of the pilot, either during capture or in a failed rescue operation. In that case, demand in the US could shift toward a harsher response and potential escalation of military action against Iran.

Earlier, the Pentagon stated that the US has multiple options for deploying ground forces in Iran if necessary.

Iranian air defenses shot down a US aircraft on April 3 in the central part of the country. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it was an F-35, but US media, analyzing images of the wreckage, concluded it was an F-15.

Initially, US Central Command said all aircraft were accounted for, but later acknowledged the loss of one aircraft during operations, without specifying the type or location.

Reuters also reported that an A-10 aircraft was hit by Iranian fire and crashed over Kuwait, with the pilot ejecting. In addition, two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the search operation were damaged but managed to leave Iranian airspace.