Q reference - “IRON EAGLE” is series of movies based upon August 1973 real incident. Began with apparent mock air attacks by Libya at US fighter craft “Fast Eagles” over challenged claim by Libya that bay in international waters belonged to Libya. Later assessed that Libya actually shot a missile.
Movie plot - Fictional Arab State to execute US pilot accused of flying trespass over waters in dispute as international. Pilot’s son and air veteran “Chappy” plan rescue mission. During mission Vet’s plane pretends to go down. Pilot is rescued and team joined by Air Force F-16s.
Rescue FACTS are HIDDEN to PROTECT Air Force from embarrassment in lapse in security procedures.
Therefore IRON EAGLE by Q may mean an military operation (any nation) in which Public do not get true facts, in order to protect a mishap in procedure from being known.
Or could mean secret rescue mission.