US Central Command Chief Visits USS Lincoln
The top US military leader in the Middle East, Admiral Brad Cooper, visited the USS Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. This came amid reports of mental health and supply challenges on the vessel. The USS Lincoln has been in the Middle East since January, involved in operations against Iran, including blockading Iranian ports. It set a record with over 240 consecutive days at sea. Admiral Cooper praised the deployment as historically significant.
Along his tour, he visited Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to meet with various leaders.
US-Iran Negotiations Stalled
The US and Iran have not extended their 60-day negotiation period which began with an agreement signing on June 17. Discussions ceased as Iran engaged Oman in talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This strait, once an international waterway, has seen conflict since the war began on February 28. Previously, it facilitated the trade of about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas.
Hamas Delegation in Cairo for Talks
A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya visited Cairo for talks on a Gaza ceasefire. They met with Egyptian intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad. Hamas expressed commitment to implementing US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The plan includes disarmament and reconstruction efforts. Control would pass to Palestinian technocrats.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected this plan, demanding complete disarmament of Hamas before withdrawing Israeli forces from territories. US negotiator Jared Kushner met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to discuss obligations under the ceasefire.
Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Commanders
Israel’s military targeted Hezbollah commanders in strikes on southern Lebanon. This marks the most lethal attack since a truce with Hezbollah began in June. Israel confirmed the deaths of commanders Abu Hassan Alaa and Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan. Lebanon reported 11 deaths from the strikes.
In June, a ‘framework agreement’ aimed at Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon was announced, contingent on Hezbollah disarmament. Hezbollah has not engaged in direct talks regarding this agreement.
Iran Alleges Qatar is Holding Pilots
Iran accused Qatar of detaining three Iranian pilots since they disappeared in March. Qatar has denied these claims. Iranian officials urged Qatar to allow their experts to investigate. This accusation marks a first where Iran claims a regional nation is holding its personnel.
Israeli Strike in Gaza
An Israeli strike wounded five people in Khan Younis, Gaza. The attack targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad member. Despite an October ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 1,262 Palestinians have died in these operations. The ministry records casualties, and these records are generally accepted by UN bodies.