Usually, when the US meets with enemy countries, such as Iran, the CIA often takes the lead. It is unclear at this time why CENTCOM is allowed to lead the talks rather than the CIA.
Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin's meeting with Deputy Commander Saddam Haftar of the Libyan National Army marks a major about-face from previous antagonisms.
A US State Department official claimed that Israel has withdrawn from southern Lebanon buffer zones, but two IDF sources denied this, and a Lebanese official said they were unaware of it.
S. Korean ships leave Strait of Hormuz • Iran rejects claim unfrozen funds to be spent in US • IDF kills Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza
Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals and six entities for "facilitating financial transactions on behalf of ISIS."
According to the official, the goal of the talks is to “continue to advance a comprehensive peace and security between the two countries.”
Both countries emphasize “their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz” and “agreed to maintain their dialogue on this issue."
Washington has used a combination of sanctions, terrorist designations, and rewards for information on militia leaders.
The war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hoped would cement his legacy as the leader who confronted Iran may instead be remembered as the conflict that dismantled a central source of his power.
Discussion over a possible EU mission comes as the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon is set to expire at the end of 2026, when it is expected to begin a year-long drawdown and withdrawal.
"Although we desperately wanted to see the collapse of a regime or the collapse of Hamas in Gaza, it did not really happen," said Dr. Col. (res.) Michael Milstein to 103FM.
