CENTCOM chief visits Israel, discusses operations against Iran’s regional influence

ISTANBUL

The commander of US Central Command visited Israel and met with senior Israeli military officials to discuss ongoing operations and regional security, the command said Tuesday.

During the March 29–30 visit, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper held talks with Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, according to a statement released by CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins.

The two military leaders discussed progress in operations aimed at eliminating "Iran’s ability to project power in meaningful ways outside its borders."

They also reaffirmed the strength of the US-Israel defense partnership, stressing the importance of continued military coordination.

Before leaving the region, Cooper visited US troops deployed at several locations supporting Operation Epic Fury.

During the visit, he awarded medals to more than 40 service members for what CENTCOM described as "exceptional performance" during the first weeks of the operation.

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.