Adm. Brad Cooper, the highest-ranking U.S. military official overseeing operations in the Middle East, completed a 10-day regional tour that concluded on Saturday, which included a visit to the USS Lincoln strike group operating in the Arabian Sea. The carrier has been deployed to the region since January and has maintained continuous operational presence for more than 240 days while supporting U.S. military efforts against Iran, including enforcement of port blockades. Cooper described the deployment as exceptionally demanding, noting its operational intensity and significance. During his visit, the admiral also met with civilian and military officials in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli military forces conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting what officials identified as senior Hezbollah commanders. The operations resulted in at least 11 deaths across two locations. Israeli military statements indicated that one strike killed Abu Hassan Alaa, described as a senior Hezbollah commander involved in attacks against Israeli forces, while another strike targeted Ali Samir Al-Haj Hassan of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force unit. Lebanese authorities and Israeli officials differed on the circumstances, with Israel contending that Hezbollah initiated the exchange by attacking Israeli soldiers and that the strikes responded to that aggression. These represented the most significant military operations since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in June.
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo for discussions with Egyptian officials regarding Gaza ceasefire arrangements. The negotiations focus on implementing a peace framework that includes Hamas disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal from occupied territory, and establishment of Palestinian civilian governance. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not vacate the approximately 60 percent of Gaza it currently controls unless Hamas achieves complete disarmament, a condition the organization has resisted. International mediators including Trump administration officials and former British leadership are scheduled to visit the region this week.
Separately, Iran’s military reported that Qatar has captured and detained three Iranian fighter pilots whose aircraft were shot down in March. Qatar denied the allegation, stating instead that search and rescue efforts recovered remains of one pilot. Iran’s Armed Forces indicated that Qatar prevented communication between the detained individuals and Iranian officials or family members and called for Iranian Air Force participation in field investigations.
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