This weekend, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., embarked on a strategic three-country tour of the Middle East, underscoring the United States’ enduring commitment to the region amidst ongoing tensions. The trip aims to solidify U.S. partnerships and gather diverse perspectives on the current security situation through direct engagement with regional leaders.
General Brown commenced his visit in Jordan on Saturday, where he met with key officials to discuss the regional security landscape. In the coming days, he will extend his diplomatic mission to Egypt and Israel, furthering dialogues with military counterparts and government representatives.
In a statement from his office, General Brown emphasized the objectives of his visit: “Over the next few days, I will continue to stress the importance of deterring further escalation of hostilities, protecting U.S. forces in the region, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, and coordinating efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians.”
The statement also highlighted the critical nature of ongoing ceasefire negotiations. “The chairman’s visit reflects the importance of reaching an agreement that returns hostages, ends the violence, and allows the entire region to focus on the next steps toward a more secure, stable Middle East.”
Speaking to the press en route to Jordan, General Brown elaborated on his mission, noting that part of his discussions will involve assessing whether a potential ceasefire could de-escalate tensions. “It’s going to take a collective effort from across the region to bring down the temperature and increase security,” he remarked.
He further stressed the importance of deterrence and the protection of U.S. forces, mentioning recent deployments of additional military assets to the region as part of this strategy. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group recently joined the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, bolstering the military presence alongside an Air Force F-22 Raptor squadron and the Ohio-class cruise missile submarine USS Georgia.
“What’s paramount is the protection of our forces,” Brown stated. “We have to make sure we posture to deter a broader conflict, but also to protect our forces.”
As this is Brown’s second visit to the Middle East since becoming chairman in October 2023, he emphasized the value of in-person diplomacy. “I’ve got quite a bit of experience in the Middle East engaging with our partners,” he said. “And it helps to spend more than just a phone call, but to go face-to-face from across the table—I get to hear their perspective and they get to hear mine.”
His ongoing efforts to engage directly with regional allies and partners highlight the importance of maintaining strong ties and a united front in addressing the complexities of Middle Eastern security.–News Desk