World news updates: Hegseth calls conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln ‘completely misrepresented’

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed allegations that living conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln have worsened, dismissing recent reports as "completely misrepresented." During an interview with Newsmax, he did not directly address claims of supply shortages, water contamination issues, or increased mental health struggles among sailors, some of whom have reportedly attempted to jump overboard during the ship's prolonged deployment since leaving San Diego in November.

Hegseth asserted that every crew is provided with full support and expressed his desire for the sailors to return "as soon as everybody else" does. He added that Pentagon leadership and President Trump share this objective. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned Iran for attacking two oil tankers belonging to Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, ADNOC, in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry stated that the strikes violated a UN Security Council resolution protecting free navigation and called the actions "piracy" by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Despite the absence of any injuries, the UAE urged Iran to cease the attacks and respect the current ceasefire, warning of potential risks to regional stability.