Amid tensions in the Middle East, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, including spending four days in the intensive care unit. The Pentagon did not inform senior officials in the White House’s National Security Council of Austin’s hospitalization until January 4. This was three days after Austin arrived at the Walter Reed Medical Center, a US official confirmed. Sen Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, demanded an explanation from Austin about the delayed notification over his heath to the White House. The Pentagon said Austin was admitted to the Walter Reed Medical Center on January 1 for complications following a recent elective medical procedure.