Key facts
- CENTCOM led a regional security dialogue in Bahrain on July 1.
- Military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen attended.
- The dialogue focused on enhancing defense collaboration and ensuring regional security and stability.
- Participants underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
- This marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a U.S.-led regional defense conference.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) led a regional security dialogue on July 1 in Bahrain, hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force, with senior military officials from 12 Middle Eastern nations. The participating countries included Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that the discussions focused on the current regional security environment and opportunities for enhancing defense collaboration across the region. Leaders emphasized their shared commitment to maintaining regional security and stability, as well as ensuring the free flow of commerce through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
The dialogue marked a significant diplomatic step, as it was the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon attended a regional defense conference led by the United States. The U.S. and its regional partners maintain a comprehensive air and missile defense system in the Middle East, and a Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell was established in January for improved information sharing and threat response.