She adds that capturing an American crew member would be a huge gain for Iran, providing them with a very strong bargaining chip. "If they are captured and their pictures are released, it could worsen American public opinion about a war that is already unpopular," said Rapp, adding: "If those images were to become public, they would significantly influence the American view of the situation." If a crew member is captured, there is a risk that de-escalation of the conflict could create the impression that taking hostages gives an advantage, she believes. "Currently, the objectives of this operation remain unclear and are becoming increasingly complex," she adds. Recall, Iran claims to have shot down two American aircraft, with one F-15 crew member rescued and the other still listed as missing. They are offering a reward for his capture, while American rescue teams have reportedly come under fire.