In a recent government meeting, key discussions highlighted ongoing military and diplomatic strategies in the Middle East and Ukraine. Notably, the Secretary of Defense has not engaged directly with his Lebanese counterpart since October 7, raising questions about the U.S. stance on the current Lebanese government. A spokesperson clarified that while there have been no direct calls, communications are ongoing at various levels within the U.S. government and with other regional partners.

The meeting also addressed U.S. support for Ukraine amid its military operations. Officials reiterated their commitment to assist Ukraine on the battlefield, particularly in the context of its actions in Kursk. However, they emphasized the need for a clearer understanding of Ukraine's strategic objectives before publicly endorsing specific operations. This cautious approach reflects ongoing assessments of the situation.

Additionally, discussions included the U.S. military's efforts to counter the Houthi threat in the Middle East. General Carolla, the CENTCOM commander, expressed a desire to degrade Houthi capabilities, particularly concerning their impact on shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Despite some successes in reducing Houthi threats, concerns were raised about potential environmental disasters linked to Houthi actions, including the risk of a significant oil spill.

The meeting concluded with confirmation that two U.S. aircraft carrier groups are currently deployed in the area, underscoring the U.S. military's ongoing presence and readiness to respond to regional challenges.