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 during a regional tour that concluded on Saturday. The USS Lincoln has been deployed in the Middle East since January and has been involved in operations related to the U.S. war against Iran, including a blockade on Iranian ports. It has set a record for uninterrupted deployment at sea, lasting over 240 days. Cooper's visit comes amid concerns regarding mental health and supply issues for the crew.
In Egypt, a Hamas delegation met with U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner for discussions related to a ceasefire in Gaza. The talks aim to implement a roadmap that includes disarming Hamas and other militant groups, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the transfer of power to Palestinian technocrats. Kushner is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
In related developments, Israel's military conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting two Hezbollah commanders, resulting in at least 11 fatalities according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Additionally, an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, injured five individuals, including a child.
Iran has accused Qatar of detaining three Iranian pilots missing since March, a claim that Qatar has denied. Iran's state media reported that it has urged Qatar to allow an investigation into the matter. The ongoing tensions and military actions highlight the complex dynamics in the region as negotiations continue.