US Expert Warns Capturing Missing Crew Member Could Give Iran Major Leverage
A leading US foreign policy expert has cautioned that capturing the missing American crew member from the recently downed jet could provide Iran with a significant bargaining tool, intensifying tensions in an already volatile region.
Laurel Rapp, director of the US and North America programme at Chatham House, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that rescuing the missing service member is a “critical mission” for the United States. She emphasized that if Iran were to capture the crew member, it would represent a “huge prize” for Tehran.
“If images of the captured American were released, it could dramatically shift public opinion in the US,” Rapp explained. “Given the existing skepticism and growing opposition to the ongoing conflict, such images would be incredibly influential from an American viewpoint.”
Rapp warned that the capture could also complicate diplomatic efforts. “Any de-escalation in the region could be interpreted as demonstrating that hostage-taking provides leverage,” she said, adding that the goals of the ongoing operation remain “unclear and increasingly complex.”
The expert highlighted the broader geopolitical risks, noting that Iran could use the situation to strengthen its negotiating position in international talks or to extract concessions from the United States. “This isn’t just a tactical issue—it has the potential to affect US-Iran relations, regional security, and even the morale of American forces,” she added.
Meanwhile, US officials have confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, although details about the crew member’s location and condition have not been released. Analysts warn that any delay or misstep could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in terms of public perception and media coverage.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the potential capture of the US crew member underscores the high stakes involved and the delicate balance between military action and diplomacy.
