CENTCOM

Iran ‘playing poker,’ unprepared for regional war, former deputy commander of CENTCOM tells ‘Post’

Former Vice-Admiral Robert Harward tells The Jerusalem Post that Iran's regime is near collapse, citing its weakened state, protests, and failed aggression, with US options for supporting protesters.

An anti-US banner at the entrance of the abandoned Tehran embassy, February 5, 2026.
An IDF soldier operating in the West Bank, published on February 6, 2026.

IDF conducting scans in Karmei Tzur after infiltration alert sounds, seizes West Bank weapons

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

No clear objectives for US military action in Iran, officials say

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is shown at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, US, August 11, 2025

After mediators sway US, Iran's Araghchi says nuclear talks set for Friday in Oman


US warns IRGC against 'escalatory behavior' in international waters

CENTCOM's statement, while acknowledging "Iran’s right to operate professionally in international airspace and waters," warned against any unsafe or threatening behaviors during the exercise.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

US changes Gaza Civil-Military Coordination Center leadership as Trump pursues stage II of plan

The top military officer at the CMCC is expected to be replaced by a commander of lower rank, while the top civilian has returned has returned to his job as US ambassador to Yemen.

US AND Israeli soldiers convene at the Civil Military Coordination Centre, the US-led centre overseeing the implementation of President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel November 17, 2025.

CENTCOM announces air force readiness exercise amid growing Iran tensions

Although CENTCOM said that the "exercise is designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability," military parties have used such drills in the past as cover for launching a surprise attack.

A US Airman attaches a GBU-31 munitions system to an F-15E Strike Eagle in the US Central Command area of responsibility, December 19, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike as the US military launched large-scale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria.

CENTCOM, IDF chiefs meet in shadow of possible Iran conflict, await Trump's final decision

The IDF announced on Sunday that the two had met on Saturday, showing "the personal connection between the commanders, and the tight strategic connection between the IDF and the US military."

CENTCOM's Adm. Brad Cooper meets with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on January 24, 2026.

Trump envoys Kushner, Witkoff meet Netanyahu to discuss Gaza, Iran

Senior US officials said ahead of the meeting that Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Israel to meet with Netanyahu in order to review the key issues related to Gaza.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrive before President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are slated to speak at the White House in September 2025.

US to complete transfer of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq in coming days, official says

The US military is transferring up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syrian prisons to Iraq, focusing on high-risk fighters amid growing security concerns following recent prison escapes.

Children and women, relatives of suspected Islamic State jihadists, walk inside Al-Hol camp in the desert region of Syria's northeastern Hasakeh province on January 21, 2026; illustrative.

Trump's Iran strategy: US prepares decisive action as tensions rise in the Middle East

US President Donald Trump is keeping "all options on the table" while US forces assemble in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump walks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026.

CENTCOM says up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could be moved to Iraq from Syria

"Ultimately, up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could be transferred from Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities," CENTCOM said.

U.S. soldiers attached to the Iowa National Guard sign GBU-31 munitions systems in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 18, 2025 as the U.S. military launched large-scale strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria in retaliation for an attack on U.S. personnel.

US withdraws from Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Airbase, maintains presence in Kurdistan region

An initial plan for US withdrawal from the base stipulated that hundreds of troops would leave by September 2025, with the rest departing by the end of 2026.

 Military vehicles of US soldiers are seen at the al-Asad air base in Anbar province, Iraq, January 13, 2020.

'All options on the table': US boosts presence in Middle East as Iran strike remains possibility

Netanyahu on Sunday convened several ministers within the senior defense echelon to discuss recent developments in the region. Israeli officials believe that a "US strike on Iran is still an option."

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is shown at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, US, August 11, 2025