Timeline of Trump's Approval for US Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities

Operation Midnight Hammer Timeline

• 🗓️ On Friday, President Trump gave the initial approval for Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting nuclear facilities in Iran.
• 📞 On Saturday morning, Secretary of Defense Pete Pegs confirmed the operation's authorization with President Trump via phone.
• 🚀 Military aircraft and submarines were already en route to Iran during the authorization process.

Execution of the Strikes

• 📍 Upon returning to the White House at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, President Trump immediately convened with his national security team in the situation room.
• 💥 The strikes commenced at 6:40 p.m. and concluded at 7:00 p.m., lasting 20 minutes and targeting three nuclear sites in Iran.

Diplomatic and International Context

• 🧠 White House officials reported that President Trump received daily briefings on Israeli military efforts against Iran and preparations for Operation Midnight Hammer.
• 🤝 This military action occurred concurrently with the White House's pursuit of diplomacy with Iran, led by special envoy Steve Whit.
• 🌍 World leaders are largely supporting a diplomatic solution that cripples Iran's nuclear capabilities, a stance President Trump is expected to highlight at the upcoming NATO summit.

President Trump's Schedule Adjustments

• ✈️ President Trump's departure for the NATO summit in the Netherlands was pushed back from Tuesday to Wednesday.
• 🌍 This schedule change was decided before the strikes and follows Trump's abrupt departure from the G7 summit to address the situation in the Middle East.