The fate of the missing pilot of the American F-15E shot down over Iran could be a turning point in the war, reports The Telegraph.
Of the two crew members, one has already been evacuated by US special forces, while the search for the other continues.
The publication notes that the successful rescue of the two pilots would strengthen Washington's confidence and could prompt Donald Trump to continue and even expand the operation, including a ground invasion. If the second pilot is captured, domestic pressure to end the strikes and move to negotiations would increase, giving Tehran powerful leverage to extract concessions - from the Strait of Hormuz to easing sanctions.
The Telegraph compares this scenario to the 1979 hostage crisis. For 444 days, the fate of US diplomats in Tehran dominated the news, shaping public opinion and contributing to Jimmy Carter's defeat in the presidential election, the article says.
The newspaper also considers the most dangerous scenario - the death of the pilot during his detention or a failed rescue mission. In this case, the newspaper estimates, the US would demand not only limited air strikes, but also a “punitive” response and possible ground operations against Iran – even as local authorities are already offering rewards for the capture or death of American soldiers.
The Pentagon has said the United States has “15 different ways” to deploy ground forces in Iran if necessary.