Joint Chiefs chairman Charles Q. Brown lands in Jordan, will visit Egypt and Israel; says US buildup aims to deter Iran attack, hostage deal can ‘help bring down the temperature’
The United States’ top general began an unannounced visit to the Middle East Saturday to discuss ways to avoid all-out regional war as Israel braces for a threatened Iranian attack.
US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began his trip in Jordan and said he will also travel to Egypt and Israel in the coming days to hear the perspectives of military leaders. Though the nature and timing of Iran’s promised attack remains unclear, Brown said the US is closely monitoring its movements and sending reinforcements with the aim of deterring the ayatollahs.
Brown is expected to meet with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
His visit comes as a Hamas delegation arrived for ceasefire-for-hostages talks in Cairo Saturday, a day after Israel’s delegation attended talks there with mediators Egypt, Qatar and the US.
Brown said that if a deal is reached, it could “help bring down the temperature.” Iran has indicated it is awaiting the talks’ outcome as it weighs its attack plans.
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