The CIA also played a crucial role in the rescue operation, CBS reports.
It’s reported the US intelligence agency tracked the airman in a mountain crevice and passed on the airman’s exact location to the Pentagon.
It also engaged in a deception campaign inside Iran. While the rescue attempt was taking place, the agency spread word the airman had already been found and was being extracted from Iran.
CBS, citing a senior White House official, reports Donald Trump ordered an immediate rescue.
Trump later said on Truth Social: “At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.”