Adm. Brad Cooper

US Central Command (Centcom) commander Adm. Brad Cooper met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Armed Forces commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal to discuss implementing a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Cooper also met US troops in Israel and recognized their contributions, with over 50,000 US personnel deployed across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump stated the U.S. is close to signing a deal with Iran to end the war, but key objectives like destroying Iran's missile capabilities and defense industrial base remain unfulfilled. The conflict has caused economic strain and raised questions about its planning and justification.

President Trump claims the U.S. is close to a deal with Iran to end the war, but key objectives like destroying Iran's missiles and defense industrial base remain unfulfilled. The conflict has impacted the global economy and alliances, with Iran still capable of missile launches despite significant military degradation.

Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper clashed with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton over the Iran war strategy during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Moulton questioned how many more Americans would die due to the strategy, which he called a mistake. The hearing came amid reports of rising oil prices and instability in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command reduced its civilian-harm reduction office staff from 10 to 1 employee, as confirmed by Adm. Brad Cooper. This change follows a deadly bombing of an Iranian school. The move raises concerns about the military's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties.

US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper will testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee about President Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request. The hearing comes amid the Middle East conflict and a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. Adm. Cooper's testimony will focus on the defense agency's posture.

The US is trying to open the Strait of Hormuz to allow stranded commercial ships to sail out, despite a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war. The effort has been met with caution and skepticism, and Iran has called it a violation of the ceasefire. The situation has led to increased uncertainty and rising oil prices.

The US has launched 'Project Freedom' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under fire, with American forces intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran warns of attacks on any foreign military presence. Two US-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited the strait. The operation has turned into a direct test of control over the strait, with the US and Iran on a path to potential open conflict.

The US has launched 'Project Freedom' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with American forces intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran warns of attacks on any foreign military presence. The operation has successfully transited two US-flagged merchant vessels through the strait. The situation has raised stakes for a potential conflict between the US and Iran.

Iran opened fire on US warships in the Middle East, prompting a US military retaliation that destroyed six Iranian small boats. The incident occurred as the US intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones. The Trump administration is working to ensure ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump is set to receive a briefing on new military options against Iran, including potential strikes and control of the Strait of Hormuz, as part of efforts to pressure Iran in negotiations. The plans, developed by CENTCOM, aim to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear program or force a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Navy released photos of fresh meals on the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Tripoli to counter claims of food shortages during Operation Epic Fury. Pentagon officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, dismissed the reports as 'fake news,' confirming sufficient food supplies for deployed crews.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned Iran to 'choose wisely' regarding a potential peace deal with the U.S., emphasizing the military's readiness to strike Iran's energy infrastructure. He highlighted the U.S. military's superior capabilities and an ongoing blockade, stating Iran lacks the capacity to rebuild its defenses or offensive assets.

The U.S. Navy has enforced a blockade against Iran, halting maritime trade and causing sanctioned ships to turn around in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping data shows Iranian-linked vessels are altering routes due to the blockade's impact on economic activity.