The French newspaper Le Monde reported that the United States found itself on Friday evening searching for a crew member of an F-15E fighter jet who had ejected over Iranian territory, just two days after Donald Trump's speech in which he asserted that Tehran was on the verge of collapse. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continued a wave of dismissals within the Pentagon, seemingly unrelated to operational matters.
On April 1st, Donald Trump vowed to return Iran to the “Stone Age,” praising what he described as a series of military victories in a single month. He said, “The whole world is watching and can’t believe this power and this brilliance.” But just two days later, American news channels were preoccupied with the fate of the crew of the downed aircraft in southwestern Iran, where the two pilots were forced to eject, triggering a massive rescue operation in a race against time.
Recent events reveal the fragility of the American position, contrary to optimistic official statements, says Le Monde, explaining that Iranian defenses remain effective despite the strikes.
As night fell and American aircraft combed the area, Iranian media broadcast calls for the capture of the soldiers in exchange for rewards. One pilot was quickly rescued, while the fate of the second remained unknown. The situation on the ground deteriorated further with reports that an HH-60 rescue helicopter had been hit by enemy fire before it could reach Iraq, according to The New York Times. Tehran also claimed to have shot down another A-10 attack aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, though its pilot was rescued. Three damaged aircraft and one missing soldier... In short, it was a disastrous day for the United States, Le Monde reported.
During this crisis, the Pentagon's silence drew attention, while President Trump remained inside the White House without making any public appearances, limiting himself to posts on his Truth Social platform that focused on Iranian oil. He wrote: "With a little time, we could easily open the Strait of Hormuz, take the oil, and make a fortune." Hours later, he posted a Good Friday greeting, in a scene that seemed detached from the gravity of the developments, Le Monde adds.
These events reveal the fragility of the American position, contrary to the optimistic official statements, says Le Monde, explaining that Iranian defenses are still effective, despite the strikes, which raises questions about whether Tehran has retained part of its strategic capabilities, and perhaps strengthened them with external supplies.
In this context, the US strategy has appeared erratic since the end of February, leaving the world's most powerful military in a precarious position. In an asymmetric war, every loss becomes a propaganda victory for Iran. Even the use of images and digital content, favored by MAGA supporters, has backfired on Washington, as Tehran effectively exploits it on social media, Le Monde reports.
The number of American soldiers killed since the start of the war has reached 13, in addition to 365 wounded, amid accusations that the Pentagon lacks transparency in releasing accurate figures. Despite this, Trump continues to push for military escalation, considering it the only way to respond.
In parallel, the US administration requested an unprecedented 44% increase in the 2027 defense budget, bringing it to $1.5 trillion, surpassing the military buildup levels of the Reagan era. Plans include developing a multi-layered missile defense system and constructing 41 warships.
In contrast, the administration proposes a $73 billion cut in civil spending, affecting infrastructure and social programs, while allocating $10 billion to beautify the capital, Washington.
However, these proposals face political opposition, especially with the midterm elections approaching, as voters focus on the cost of living. The Senate Democratic leader strongly criticized the plan, arguing that it would lead the country toward a “political precipice.”
Within the military establishment, Le Monde reports, the dismissals made by the US Secretary of Defense have sparked widespread controversy. The top officer in the Army , along with other officials, was relieved of his duties without official explanation. These moves are seen as part of a leadership reshuffle, but they could ultimately weaken the military institution.
Reports also point to tensions within the leadership, personal disputes affecting decisions, and accusations of politicizing promotions within the army.
Observers believe the US administration is adopting an overly hard-power approach, ignoring the complexities of the situation on the ground. Recent developments confirm that military superiority does not guarantee the achievement of political objectives, especially against an adversary capable of adapting and maneuvering, Le Monde concludes.
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