CENTCOM says 50,000 US troops deployed across the Middle East

WASHINGTON, United States — The U.S. Central Command said more than 50,000 American military personnel are deployed across the Middle East, with forces remaining on continuous alert. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper met with senior civilian and military officials in Israel and Lebanon during regional engagements. In Lebanon, Cooper held talks with President Joseph Aoun and army commander Maj. Gen. Rodolphe Haykel, discussing next steps to implement a framework agreement signed in Washington on Friday. He also visited U.S. forces stationed in Israel, commending personnel for their performance in carrying out their missions. The announcement followed remarks by a U.S. State Department official that President Donald Trump's special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would brief Congress on an agreement reached with Iran. The official said the briefing would be held with the House of Representatives and the Senate. CENTCOM said it would continue to coordinate with regional partners to support stability and the implementation of diplomatic agreements. No further details on the Iran deal or the congressional briefing schedule were immediately available.