Trump taps U.S. military leaders for diplomacy on Iran and Ukraine

President Donald Trump has assigned senior military officials to diplomatic roles, sending Adm. Brad Cooper to indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman and having Army Secretary Dan Driscoll engage with Ukrainian officials during Russia-Ukraine discussions.

President Donald Trump has assigned senior U.S. military leaders to diplomatic roles related to Iran and Ukraine. Admiral Brad Cooper attended indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman and appeared in his dress uniform. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll participated in Russia-Ukraine discussions and communicated with Ukrainian officials between sessions. These moves represent an uncommon use of military figures in high-level diplomacy. Key facts: - Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, joined indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman. - Army Secretary Dan Driscoll worked to keep discussions going with Ukrainian officials during Russia-Ukraine talks. - Cooper’s appearance in uniform was reported as a reminder of the U.S. military presence in the region. Summary: This is an uncommon delegation of diplomatic tasks to senior military leaders for talks on Iran and the Russia-Ukraine situation. Undetermined at this time.