The U.S. has underlined the priority of maritime operations and integrated joint forces in the Middle East with the nomination of a naval officer as the region's top commander ahead of a potential confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program and other threats.

President Donald Trump has nominated Vice Admiral Brad Cooper , currently the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to be appointed to the rank of admiral and serve as its new commander. He has been a strong critic of Iran and supportive of Israel in the past.

Only one Navy officer has previously commanded CENTCOM— Admiral William Fallon in 2007—while the role has traditionally been held by Army and Marine generals.

Why It Matters

Commanding U.S. operations in the Middle East is one of the military's cri

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