The U.S. Central Command reported that Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, visited the USS Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. This visit was part of a 10-day tour across the region, ending on Saturday.
U.S. Central Command Chief Visits Aircraft Carrier
Admiral Cooper inspected the USS Lincoln amid reports of mental health and supply issues on the long-deployed aircraft carrier. The Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January, supporting the U.S. war efforts against Iran, which included blocking Iranian ports. The carrier has been at sea for over 240 unbroken days, raising concerns about the long-term impact on both the ship and its crew, which exceeds 5,000 sailors and marines.
Admiral Cooper highlighted the significance of this deployment in a statement, labeling it as one of the most operationally intense in modern times. He visited several countries including Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to meet with military and civil leaders, according to the Central Command.
Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Commanders in Lebanon
Israel’s military reported targeting two Hezbollah commanders during strikes in southern Lebanon. These were the deadliest attacks since a truce was established in June between Israel and Hezbollah, which Iran backs. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least 11 fatalities occurred in these strikes.
The Israeli army announced the death of Abu Hassan Alaa, described as a high-ranking Hezbollah commander involved in attacks on Israeli soldiers. An earlier attack targeted Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan, another commander, without intent to harm his accompanying family. Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a framework for Israeli troop withdrawal in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament, aimed at peace, between the technically still-warring nations.
Hamas Delegation in Cairo for Gaza Ceasefire Talks
A Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo for ceasefire discussions in Gaza. The group met with Egypt’s intelligence chief, emphasizing their commitment to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. The plan seeks the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a transition to technocratic Palestinian governance.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected Trump’s latest ceasefire plan, demanding full Hamas disarmament before any Israeli troop withdrawal. The discussions are ongoing, with potential meetings between Hamas representatives and other international negotiators expected.
Iran Accuses Qatar of Detaining Pilots
Iran’s Armed Forces raised claims that Qatar holds three Iranian pilots missing since their planes were shot down in March. Qatar denies these allegations. Iranian state television demanded Qatar allow an investigation into the matter.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected the accusations, stating that rescue teams recovered remains. This is the first known incident where Iran has accused a regional state of detaining its personnel amid ongoing military actions.