US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the coordination call for the rescue mission lasted nearly two days straight, starting just hours after the F-15E jet was downed by Iran.
The mission, described as 'unblinking,' involved holding a secure call for 45 hours and 56 minutes, with the meeting never stopping and planning never ceasing.
US commandos slipped deep into Iran undetected, scaling a 7,000-foot ridge to rescue the stranded American weapons specialist, who was wounded but 'will be just fine,' according to President Donald Trump.
The rescue mission came amid rising concern about the war's effect on the global economy and Trump's approval ratings.
Iran's military called it 'a deception and escape mission,' but US officials said the operation was a success, with the airman being extracted to safety.
