In an exclusive interview with ABC News "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflected on his career and discussed the challenges facing the United States in the Middle East.

Brown, a highly experienced U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, recalled a harrowing incident early in his career when his F-16 caught fire after being struck by lightning over Florida. He successfully ejected and landed in the Florida Everglades, earning him the call sign "Swamp Thing."

Since his nomination by President Joe Biden and confirmation in September, Brown has been actively involved in dealing with the crises in the Middle East. Following Hamas' terror attack on Israel in October, the United States has sought to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader regional war. However, Iranian-backed fighters in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have continued to launch attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and on American troops, citing support for Palestinians under Israeli bombardment.

The Pentagon reports that U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked over 150 times by Iranian-backed militia groups, while Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have carried out more than 30 attacks on commercial ships. In response, the U.S. has conducted retaliatory strikes on the Houthis and other fighters. However, the attacks persist, leading to concerns about the overall military strategy and calls for more congressional involvement.

Brown acknowledged the delicate balance needed between the U.S. goal of deterrence in the region and the protection of American forces. He questioned critics who advocated for a different approach, asking if they desired a broader conflict or a full-scale war. According to Brown, the American airstrikes have had an impact on the Houthis' ability to carry out attacks, though he did not provide specific details.

The U.S. strikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have also faced political pressure, with some in Iraq calling for an end to America's presence in the country. Brown believes that while Iran would prefer the U.S. to leave Iraq, they do not seek a war with the United States due to their regional power dynamics.

Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, where the U.S. is supporting Israel, Brown emphasized the importance of preventing civilian casualties during military operations. The high number of civilian casualties has drawn international criticism, and Brown stated that bringing in humanitarian assistance alongside military operations is crucial.

During the interview, Raddatz asked Brown about his predecessor, Gen. Mark Milley's relationship with former President Donald Trump. Milley had publicly apologized for a controversial photo-op during the George Floyd protests and revealed that he had reassured China privately that the U.S. wouldn't attack. Trump had called Milley a "traitor," but Brown stated that he does not pay attention to such statements and remains focused on his job.

Raddatz also questioned Brown about his approach to working under a president who believes the election was stolen. Brown reaffirmed his commitment to work for any elected president and mentioned that he has learned from his predecessors' experiences, enabling him to support whomever holds the office.

In conclusion, Gen. CQ Brown Jr. emphasized the challenges and complexities of U.S. military strategy in the Middle East, discussing the need for deterrence while protecting American forces. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his focus remains on his job and supporting the President, regardless of political opinions or controversies.