US Central Command Chief Supports Reducing Forces in Persian Gulf After Conflict

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), advocates for reducing American military presence in the Persian Gulf following recent hostilities. His position has been raised in Pentagon discussions amid damage to multiple bases in the region. The Washington Post reports this is part of preliminary planning, with Defense Secretary Pete Ghesse yet to formally initiate talks on the matter.

Washington officials are considering relocating significant US forces from Gulf states to bases in Israel. However, there is internal debate due to concerns that a larger American presence in Israel could increase vulnerabilities to counterintelligence threats, given growing Pentagon worries about Israeli espionage activities.

This development follows heightened tensions between the US and Iran, including President Donald Trump’s provocative designation of the Strait of Hormuz as "new US territory" on a published map. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs responded on social media, dismissing Trump’s claim as an "illusion" that will soon be corrected.