U.S. Central Command is the theater-level Unified Combatant Command of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the broader Middle East. Known for overseeing U.S. military operations across the region, including counterterrorism, force projection, and freedom of navigation enforcement. Recently, CENTCOM has conducted sustained strikes against Iranian military targets and enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Last updated 2 days ago
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Frank McKenzieMilitary Commander Tim HawkinsCommentator / Analyst
“My time aboard USS Abraham Lincoln yesterday was awe inspiring. I wish every American could see the crew in action. You would beam with absolute pride when witnessing their camaraderie, tea...
STATEMENT FROM COMMANDER OF U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND
“My time aboard USS Abraham Lincoln yesterday was awe inspiring. I wish every American could see the crew in action. You would beam with absolute pride when witnessing their camaraderie, teamwork and resilience.
Here’s an important fact: Of the U.S. Navy’s 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health.
This doesn’t mean that all is perfect. Find any of the nearly 4 million Navy veterans in America today and they will likely tell you that service at sea for long periods isn’t for everyone. It is uniquely challenging and tough, and every single one of us, including me, reacts to stressors in different ways.
I’ve long believed that mental health is another aspect of individual health and requires our attention just like physical health and spiritual health.
I applaud Lincoln’s leadership, the senior enlisted leaders in the Chief Petty Officers Mess in particular, for stepping up and making mental health and crew resilience a leadership priority.
To all our Sailors and Marines aboard the ship, keep up the great work and fair winds and following seas on the journey home.”
CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins on claims that Adm. Cooper pushed for renewed strikes on Iran during his Israel visit: "An outright fabrication. It's not true at all."
Yesterday, CENTCOM announced that a U.S. Navy MH 60 helicopter fired 2 Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the Iranian linked Vela Nova after its civilian crew ignored repeated U.S. warnings.
According to my assessment, the IRGC will try and shoot a ships in the Hormuz in the near future.
Earlier today, CENTCOM forces disabled the steering gear of Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova as the cargo vessel attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman and violate the U.S. blockade against Iran by sailing toward an Iranian port.
A U...
CENTCOM:
Earlier today, CENTCOM forces disabled the steering gear of Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova as the cargo vessel attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman and violate the U.S. blockade against Iran by sailing toward an Iranian port.
A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two hellfire missiles into the Vela Nova’s engine room after the ship’s civilian crew ignored repeated warnings from American forces. The ship is no longer transiting to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade, which remains in full effect.
As of Aug. 11, CENTCOM has redirected 55 commercial vessels attempting to run the blockade, disabled 3 non-compliant vessels, and boarded 2.
U.S. forces operating in the Middle East are highly vigilant, lethal, and ready.
"U.S. Sailors stand watch on the bridge of USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is one of over 20 U.S. warships deployed to the Middle East supporting military missions, including strict enforcement of the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 9, CENTCOM has redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure compliance."
As of Aug. 8, CENTCOM redirected 53 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2. The U.S. military has also permitted more than 30 ships to pass through the blockade for humanitarian aid.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper landed in Israel for a round of meetings with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior defense officials. He arrived from Bahrain and the UAE. On the agenda: the Iranian arena and joint assessments for either escalation or a new agreement, alongside U.S. pressure on Gaza.
"A U.S. sailor stands watch in the combat information center aboard USS Mason (DDG 87) as the guided-missile destroyer sails in regional waters supporting the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. As of Aug. 7, CENTCOM forces have redirected 51 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure compliance."
"U.S., French, and Italian forces are on the ground in Lebanon to help implement the agreement with Israel. CENTCOM has committed military aid and air cover. UNIFIL officers collaborated with Hizbullah and were on its payroll."
CENTCOM: 'U.S. forces continue to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 3, CENTCOM has redirected 44 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2.'
CNN Report: A senior CENTCOM officer emailed a large group of analysts last week soliciting "new, creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran." Two sources describe the mass brainstorming request as an unusual move.
CENTCOM: A U.S. Marine Corps F-35C stealth fighter jet launches from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the aircraft carrier transits the Arabian Sea and supports the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of Aug. 2, CENTCOM has redirected 35 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2.
