CIA Used Top-Secret Tech to Locate Downed US Aviator in Iran, Director Says

CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump (L) looks on during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2026. President Trump spoke about the successful military mission to rescue a weapons systems officer whose F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down in Iran. Alex Wong/Getty ImagesCIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a Monday press briefing that the agency used classified capabilities over the weekend to locate and rescue a U.S. weapons system officer who was shot down deep behind enemy lines in Iran.Although he said he could not discuss these methods in detail, Ratcliffe explained that the CIA has “unique” capabilities, which only President Donald Trump can deploy.