Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Mideast

State Department Issues Middle East Travel Caution as Iranian State Media Claims Missile Strike on U.S. Base in Jordan

Defcon Level — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 22:23:49 GMT

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State on August 1 advised Americans currently in the Middle East to exercise caution and heightened vigilance and to prepare for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.

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Some airlines in the region have postponed resumption of earlier flight schedules; others have cancelled some routes.

Americans in the region should consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations.

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U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on August 1 that the United States signed an MOU with Iran and they broke it, shot at commercial ships, and killed American soldiers; President Trump is not going to stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur; Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in, what President Trump deems, a meaningful way; the president remains committed to a diplomatic solution but will continue to respond to Iran’s attacks.

The statement linked the soldier deaths to the period after the MOU was signed but did not provide specific dates for those deaths.

Iranian state-run Tasnim News Agency quoted a senior security official on August 1 as stating that Iran has prepared a comprehensive plan to respond to any U.S. action the official described as madness.

The official stated the plan includes targeting the vital infrastructure of Israel and U.S. energy infrastructure in the region and that Iran is ready for it. Neither U.S. Central Command nor the Department of Defense has released a confirmation of new strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure as of August 2.

Iranian state-run IRNA News Agency reported on August 2 that the IRGC Aerospace Force targeted the U.S. F-35 repair hangar and ramp at Al-Azraq Base in Jordan with multiple ballistic missiles that morning, stating the action was in response to American operations on Qeshm Island.

According to the IRNA account, the attack destroyed three F-35 fighters and severely damaged three others.

Neither U.S. Central Command, the Department of Defense, nor any Jordanian government body has confirmed or denied the claimed strike as of the latest available reporting.

Unverified claims of a weekend energy-infrastructure package have circulated; neither the White House, U.S. Central Command, nor the Department of Defense has confirmed or denied them as of August 2.

No named Israeli government body has confirmed awareness of a decision to restart full military operations or a request to join such actions as of August 2.

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CENTCOM Rejects IRGC Claims on Hormuz Routes Destroyed F-35s and Tanker Breach

Defcon Level — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 03:53:32 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command on July 30 rejected three claims circulated by Iranian state media from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps concerning dangers in the Strait of Hormuz, destruction of U.S. aircraft, and a commercial tanker breach of the U.S. blockade, while confirming continued enforcement that has redirected 24 commercial vessels as of that date.

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CENTCOM stated that more than 20 U.S. warships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of service members remain in place to enforce the blockade.

IRGC Reasserts Hormuz Control After CENTCOM Strikes. Gulf States Condemn UAV Attacks

Defcon Level — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:30:45 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on July 30 again claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz and said two oil tankers that tried an unauthorized route turned back after a fire broke out on one of them.

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The same day Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates condemned continued UAV attacks by Iran-affiliated militias operating from Iraqi territory against Saudi oil facilities in the Eastern Region.

Trump Orders Hard US Response After Iran Missiles Targeting Forces in Jordan Intercepted

Defcon Level — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:30:53 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 29, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that five Iranian rockets traveling 8,500 miles per hour had been knocked down the previous night and that U.S. forces would hit Iran very hard in response.

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U.S. Central Command confirmed that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran at 5:45 p.m. ET on July 28 in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East, with all missiles successfully intercepted and U.S. forces remaining at a high state of readiness.

The Jordanian Armed Forces stated that air defenses intercepted and destroyed five missiles launched from Iran toward the kingdom, with no casualties or damage reported.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, through state-run media, described the action as a retaliatory ballistic missile strike against an American airbase in Jordan.

Threat Level

U.S. and Saudi Forces Strike IRGC-Directed Sites in Eastern Iraq

Defcon Level — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:34:20 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 28, U.S. Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes against Iran-aligned terrorists that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed to attack U.S. forces and Saudi energy infrastructure.

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U.S. and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours.

According to U.S. Central Command, the attacks against U.S. forces were not successful.

From February through April 2026, there were more than 600 attempted attacks on U.S. citizens and facilities by Iran-aligned terrorist militias in Iraq.

CENTCOM said that The IRGC and its proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response.

Threat Level

CENTCOM Intercepts IRGC Ballistic Missiles Targeting U.S. Forces in Middle East

Defcon Level — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:45:53 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 28 the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command.

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According to U.S. Central Command all Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted. The command added that U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.

No casualties or damage were reported in the CENTCOM statement. The launch forms part of the ongoing exchange of strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces that has included prior Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on U.S. positions in Jordan.

Iran Rules Out Current Negotiations With United States Despite Strike Pause, Trump Says Iran Has Requested A Meeting

Defcon Level — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:03:52 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 27, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States, even as both sides maintained a pause in military exchanges for a second consecutive day.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei

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Baghaei noted mediators may convey messages from the American side regarding regional developments, but no negotiations are under way.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Iran had halted its retaliatory operations after the United States stopped its attacks. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump is giving talks “some space” and “a little bit of room.”

Akraminia said Iran’s strategy had been retaliatory and that operations were halted once U.S. strikes stopped. Iran continued to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz and reported ongoing bilateral discussions with Oman on navigation management.

On July 27, Esmail Baghaei addressed a weekly press briefing in Tehran and said claims Iran had requested negotiations with the United States are fabrications circulated by the other side. He added that Iran’s priority remains defending its sovereignty.

Iranian state-affiliated media reported Baghaei’s additional comments that the United States had “betrayed diplomacy” by violating a prior 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Baghaei further noted that the only ongoing talks are with Oman and are focused on creating the necessary arrangements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran will not allow the United States to determine the time of war and peace and will defend itself for as long as necessary.

The United States conducted no airstrikes on Iran for a second straight night after operations that began in early July. Iranian forces likewise conducted no attacks on U.S. bases or regional partners after July 24.

The final night of strikes by the United States, marked as the 13th consecutive night completed on July 23 at 9 p.m. ET, targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.

Baghaei said Iran and Oman held discussions on July 24 and 25 on mechanisms for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states. He said the waterway remains closed under Iran’s management authority.

Iranian state media reported that six vessels attempting unauthorized transit were turned back on July 27. On July 26 Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that several rounds of negotiations were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between deputy foreign ministers of the two countries.

The two sides exchanged views on shared principles and operational mechanisms for ensuring the safe passage of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of the two littoral states.

The talks were constructive and had yielded progress. The Omani delegation left Tehran on Saturday afternoon, but technical and political consultations between the two sides are continuing.

No changes have occurred in the status of maritime traffic through the Strait. Baghaei clarified that these bilateral talks had no relation to the United States.

White House: President Trump Prefers A Diplomatic Solution But Continues To Retain All Options If Iran’s Hormuz Activities Persist

Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Drones from Iraq Targeting Petroleum Facilities

Defcon Level — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:53:05 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 27, the Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that air defenses intercepted and destroyed a number of drones during the past hours that attempted to target petroleum facilities in the Eastern Region and Riyadh.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s Capital. Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

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The official spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said the attempts were launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iranian-backed terrorist militias.

The ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s legitimate right to defend itself and its capabilities and its retention of the right to respond at the appropriate time and place.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs separately expressed condemnation in the strongest terms of the UAV attacks launched against the Kingdom by Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq, affirmed determination to safeguard security and sovereignty, reiterated the sovereign right to respond to the sources of the aggression, and stressed the critical need for the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure its territory is not used as a launchpad for such hostile actions.

No official statement from the Iraqi government or Iranian authorities on the July 27 interception was located as of the latest available reporting.

In a separate incident on July 25, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that forces carried out operations with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, describing the actions as a response to recent Saudi strikes in Yemen.

Threat Level, Saudi Arabia’s Response:

Jordan and Israel Intercept Separate Pairs of Drones Near Shared Border

Defcon Level — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:28:46 GMT

JORDAN — The General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army stated that Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft intercepted and downed two drones that breached Jordanian airspace from Iranian territory on the morning of July 27.

Drone Debris recovered at a residence in Karak Governorate. Map: Open Street Map

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) separately reported intercepting two unmanned aerial vehicles identified near the Jordanian border the same morning.

The UAVs did not enter Israeli territory and no alerts were activated. Both sides reported no casualties. Jordan stated no material damage occurred. The IDF said the launch origin remains under review.

The Public Security Directorate stated that debris from a drone was found Monday morning at a home in Karak Governorate after the aircraft was intercepted by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army.

Drone Debris recovered at a residence in Karak Governorate. Map: Open Street Map

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No injuries were reported, and the relevant authorities handled the incident in accordance with established technical and security procedures. Royal Engineering Corps teams handled fallen debris across several locations according to the same procedures.

Debris from one of the drones intercepted by the Royal Jordanian Air Force on the morning of July 27 was recovered at a residence in Karak Governorate, Jordan.
This is the only publicly confirmed geographic point associated with the intercepts; exact engagement coordinates in Jordanian airspace and the precise sector near the Jordan border reported by the IDF were not released.

Repeated Iranian-Origin Projectiles Intercepted By Jordan, Threat Assessment:

U.S. and Iran Extend Reciprocal Strike Pause, Trump Denies Munitions Depletion Claims

Defcon Level — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 06:45:47 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — The reciprocal pause in U.S. and Iranian strikes has continued into additional nights with no new U.S. Central Command strike-completion announcement after the July 23 statement that forces had finished the 13th consecutive night of operations.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described the pause as giving diplomacy “some space” and “a little bit of time,” while noting that U.S. forces remain “locked and loaded.”

President Trump rejected reports of munitions shortages, stating, “We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need.” No full White House transcript has been released.

Iran Halts Retaliatory Attacks After U.S. Stops Strikes

Iran and Oman Report Progress on Strait of Hormuz Navigation Talks as U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ports Continues

Defcon Level — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:58:20 GMT

ARABIAN SEA — Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on July 26 that several rounds of talks held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers produced progress on common principles and operational mechanisms for safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei

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Baghaei described the discussions as useful, noted that the Omani delegation departed Tehran on Saturday evening, and said technical and political consultations continue. He emphasized that no change has occurred in the current maritime traffic situation in the strait.

The announcement came as the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full effect. As of the most recent U.S. Central Command update on July 25, forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to transit to or from Iranian ports or coastal areas, disabled 2 that did not comply, and boarded 2 to verify compliance.

On July 25, CENTCOM forces completed a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea; the vessel continued its journey.
On July 24, forces disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the crew attempted to violate the blockade multiple times and ignored repeated warnings; the ship is no longer transiting to Iran.

Progressive tallies released by CENTCOM recorded 7 redirected and 1 disabled as of July 20, 8 redirected and 1 disabled as of July 21, 9 redirected and 1 disabled as of July 22, 12 redirected and 1 disabled as of July 23, and the July 25 figures of 12 redirected, 2 disabled, and 2 boarded.

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Coalition Forces Intercept Explosive-Laden Drone Over Erbil

Defcon Level — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 17:10:58 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On Saturday afternoon, Coalition forces intercepted and shot down an explosive-laden drone over Erbil at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time, according to information obtained by Kurdistan24 (KRG state-run media). No casualties or material damage were immediately reported.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

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The interception occurred one day after the Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Service announced that Coalition forces destroyed five explosive-laden drones over Erbil between 9:32 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. local time.

IRGC Claims Strikes on U.S. Positions in Jordan, Erbil, Kuwait and Bahrain; Host Governments Report Intercepts; IRGC Issues 500-Meter Civilian Warning

Defcon Level — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:26:48 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on July 24 that it had conducted successful strikes against American military positions in Jordan and Erbil, listing personnel quarters, multiple fighter aircraft, a Patriot missile defense system, an intelligence-gathering balloon, and facilities it described as used by U.S. forces.

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Separate IRGC claims asserted attacks on the Al-Adiri base in Kuwait and an observation tower of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain. Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and coalition forces in Erbil each reported intercepting Iranian drones or missiles on July 23–24.

The IRGC also issued a public warning carried by Iranian state television directing civilians to remain outside a 500-meter radius of locations where American soldiers are present.

CENTCOM Completes 13th Night of Strikes on Iranian Targets

Defcon Level — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 04:49:52 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command started the 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET on July 23 and completed them at 9 p.m. ET the same day.

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U.S. forces targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.

The command stated the strikes further diminish the threat Iran poses to civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM reported that the international waterway remains open for transit despite recent attacks from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and commercial vessels continue to freely navigate the strait with U.S. military support.

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On July 23, CENTCOM also reported that since resuming the naval blockade against Iran nine days earlier, it has redirected 12 commercial vessels and disabled one to prevent ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas.

Iranian state-run media reported on July 23 that U.S. attacks targeted several locations across Iran, including the passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing in Khuzestan Province, where two people were killed and 11 injured according to the province’s deputy governor for security and law enforcement affairs.

Additional reported strike locations included areas near Andimeshk, Ahvaz, and Ramshir in Khuzestan, an area in Kiar County in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province with no casualties reported, and two maritime search-and-rescue vessels in Hormuzgan Province.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on July 23 that it conducted a retaliatory strike against Camp Udairi (also referred to as al-Adiri) in Kuwait in response to the reported strike on the Shalamcheh border crossing, which the IRGC described as a route used by Arbaeen pilgrims.

The IRGC said the operation destroyed a specialized U.S. electronic warfare unit, caused multiple casualties among personnel, and damaged the base’s flight control tower.

The statement identified the action as the 26th wave of Operation Nasr 2 and the 46th statement of the campaign. Iranian Army statements on the same day claimed drone strikes against U.S. positions at bases in Kuwait.

Global Threat Assessment

CENTCOM Completes Latest Strikes Against Iran

Defcon Level — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 03:23:32 GMT

U.S. Central Command: “At 10:30 p.m. ET on July 22, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed another round of strikes against Iran for the 12th consecutive night.

U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets. The strikes further degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels.

This month, American forces have targeted dozens of Iranian military sites on land while resuming a blockade against Iran at sea. As of today, CENTCOM has redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled one to prevent ships from entering or departing Iranian ports.

More than 50,000 U.S. service members are operating across the Middle East and remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready.”

11th Night of Strikes on Iranian Targets Completed as Blockade Continues

Defcon Level — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:18:00 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. Central Command forces completed the 11th consecutive evening of strikes against Iranian military targets at 8:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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The strikes targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure. CENTCOM said the strikes further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM forces began the 11th night of strikes at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday. As of Tuesday, U.S. forces enforcing the naval blockade of Iranian ports had redirected 8 commercial vessels and disabled 1. USS Mason (DDG 87) conducted a replenishment-at-sea while sailing in regional waters.

CENTCOM noted that over the past three months Iran has attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the international waterway. The command said the Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit.

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Resumption of Strikes After Breakdown of Memorandum of Understanding:

U.S. Finishes Latest Strikes Against Iran

Defcon Level — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 01:46:25 GMT

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Kuwaiti Air Defenses Currently Intercepting Missile, Drone Attacks

Defcon Level — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:36:14 GMT

CENTCOM Completes Ninth Night of Strikes on Iran

Defcon Level — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:54:26 GMT

MIDDLE EAST — On July 19, U.S. Central Command completed the ninth consecutive evening of strikes against Iran.

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U.S. assets targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks to further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

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CENTCOM stated that its forces “remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready” under direction from the Commander in Chief.

On the same day, U.S. military personnel recovered unidentified remains at the site of the July 17 Iranian attack in Jordan following a thorough search. An examination process to verify the remains is ongoing, with identities withheld out of respect for the families during notification.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to the press at Joint Base Andrews on July 19, stated that the only reason the U.S. is conducting strikes is against assets of Iran that are being used to attack global commercial shipping.

He said the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that the United States is involved not just in protecting those ships but in targeting the places from which they launch these missiles and drones.

Rubio added that as long as Iran insists on controlling an international waterway, the United States is going to have to respond.

Maritime Warnings, Iranian Claims and Strike Activity

CENTCOM Ends Weekend Wave of Strikes Against Iran

Defcon Level — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:51:41 GMT

U.S. Central Command: “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully completed the ninth consecutive evening of strikes against Iran, July 19, at 10 p.m. ET.
CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks to further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief’s direction. CENTCOM forces remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready.”