HEADS OF US CENTCOM, ISRAELI ARMY DISCUSS BOOSTING DEFENSE COOPERATION

Sun 25 January 2026:

US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Brad Cooper and Israeli army Chief of General have discussed boosting defense cooperation between the two sides.

The talks took place during an extended meeting held on the sidelines of Cooper’s visit to Israel, which began on Saturday, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement on Sunday.

Adraee said Adm. Cooper held “a lengthy personal meeting” with Zamir, followed by a broader session attended by senior commanders.

He said the meeting served as “an additional factor strengthening the personal relationship between the two commanders, the close strategic relationship between the Israeli and US militaries, and the continued enhancement of defense cooperation between the two countries.”

During his visit to Israel, whose duration has not been specified, Cooper is also scheduled to meet Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

The visit comes amid growing concerns in Israel over the possibility that Iran could carry out a preemptive attack, alongside rising fears that Tehran may be close to being targeted by a potential US military strike, as the US continues to build up its forces in the region.

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‘Preemptive Strike’

Türkiye’s foreign minister warned of Israeli intent to strike Iran as the US Central Command chief arrived in Israel amid rising regional tensions.

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there are indications that Israel is seeking to launch an attack on Iran, warning that regional states do not want a new war that would deepen instability across the Middle East.

Speaking during an interview with Turkiye’s NTV channel, Fidan said countries in the region are still struggling to recover from years of conflict and cannot afford another major confrontation.

“We do not want to open a new major wound while we have barely managed to heal those in Syria and Iraq,” Fidan said. “But we must also do everything we can to resolve these problems.”

Fidan added that Türkiye has consistently expressed its support for Iran in nuclear negotiations and has conveyed its views to Tehran as a friendly state.

“As friendly countries, we have told Iran everything that needs to be said. We shared our vision of what is right and what should be done,” he said. “I hope they find a way to a solution, but unfortunately, I must also say that there are indications Israel is still seeking to launch an attack on Iran.”

The Turkish foreign minister noted that Iran believes it may be possible to reach an understanding with the United States over its nuclear program, but said Washington continues to expand the scope of talks by introducing additional demands beyond the nuclear file.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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