Updates from the Middle East

U.S. Military Chief Visits Aircraft Carrier

Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, visited the USS Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. This visit occurred during a 10-day tour of the region that concluded Saturday. Reports indicated issues related to mental health and supply on the carrier, which has been deployed for an extended period.

The USS Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January, supporting the U.S. war efforts against Iran, including the blockade of Iranian ports. It has maintained more than 240 consecutive days at sea. This extended deployment has raised concerns about the impact on both the ships and military personnel. Admiral Cooper stated, “The history will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.”

During the tour, Cooper visited Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to meet with civilian and military leaders. The U.S. Navy’s blockade responds to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict started on February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Israeli Attacks Target Hezbollah Commanders

Israel’s military targeted two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon on Saturday. The attacks were described as the deadliest since a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah took effect in June. The Lebanese Ministry of Health and state news agency reported at least 11 people were killed.

Early Sunday, the Israeli military reported the second attack killed Abu Hassan Alaa, referred to as a “high-ranking commander” of Hezbollah. He was involved in attacks against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon and led militia activities targeting Israeli soldiers and civilians for several years.

Prior to this, the Israeli military had conducted an attack in Ansar, killing Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan, another Hezbollah commander. The military stated that his family was present but was not the target. An agreement framework aims to facilitate Israeli forces’ withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s disarmament, envisioning steps towards a peace agreement. Hezbollah has refused direct talks and wasn’t part of the U.S.-mediated deal.

Hamas Delegation in Cairo for Gaza Talks

A Hamas delegation, led by group leader Khalil al-Hayya, was in Cairo for discussions about a Gaza ceasefire. Al-Hayya met with Egypt’s intelligence chief, Major General Hassan Rashad, Egyptian state media reported. Al-Hayya emphasized Hamas’ dedication to implementing U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan in Gaza.

The discussions aim to advance Trump’s peace plan, requiring Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza, and power transfer to Palestinian technocrats. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected Trump’s recent plan to boost the stalled ceasefire, asserting Israel won’t withdraw from any of the 60% territory it controls until Hamas is disarmed.

Al-Hayya’s potential meetings with Trump’s negotiator Jared Kushner, Peace Board representative Nickolay Mladenov, or former British Prime Minister Tony Blair were unclear. These officials are scheduled to visit Israel and Egypt this week.

Iran Says Qatar Retains Pilots

Iranian armed forces claimed Qatar has detained three Iranian pilots who disappeared in March after their planes were shot down. Qatar refuted the claims. The Iranian military’s Missing Persons Committee requested Qatar permit Iranian Air Force experts to investigate the situation.

The Saturday communication alleged Qatar denied pilots access to their families or Iranian officials managing their cases. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, denied the claims, stating the pilots were shot down and Qatar’s search and rescue teams found one officer’s remains.

This incident is the first known case of Iran accusing a regional country of holding its combatants. Tehran has repeatedly targeted regional countries hosting U.S. military bases with missiles and drones.