Trump declares victory in Iran war after rescue, but threats to US operation still loom

Analysis: Trump declares victory in Iran war after rescue, but threats to US operation still loom14 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBernd Debusmann JrWhite House reporterGetty ImagesUS President Donald Trump was swift to declare victory after the second crew member of an F-15 downed over Iran was recovered, claiming on Sunday that the successful rescue "proves, once again, that we have achieved overwhelming air dominance and superiority".Observers, however, paint a more complicated picture of what this means for the US in Iran. While the mission was successful, the events of the last few days - in which two aircraft were downed and at least one helicopter hit by gunfire - highlight that threats to US aircraft and personnel remain.Follow live updates on US-Israel war with IranTrump issues expletive-laden threat to Iran demanding Strait of Hormuz be openedSeveral Washington sources who spoke to the BBC speculated that the loss of aircraft and the complexity of the operation to recover the pilots could potentially dissuade Trump from any ground operation to take Kharg Island and sites in the Persian Gulf, or to seize highly enriched uranium in Iran.These operations could be complicated, and risk exposing US forces to lingering Iranian capabilities, including difficult-to-find man portable air defence systems, known as Manpads, which are shoulder-launched weapons most effective against low flying aircraft.On the other hand, the fact that US troops were able to enter a contested environment, and set up a forward airfield and refueling point under the nose of the Iranians - then hold it for hours while two stuck aircraft were destroyed and replacements sent - might embolden him. It could convince the administration that an airborne or amphibious operation against targets in Iran stands a good chance of success.Trump also has sent mixed messages about the path forward, telling reporters in a series of phone calls that he believes a "deal"...