The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it led a regional security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force on Wednesday to discuss the regional security environment and ways to strengthen defense cooperation across the Middle East. The Strategic Allied Military Dialogue brought together senior defense officials from 12 countries, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting was attended by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Coope and senior military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. According to CENTCOM, Cooper said the United States “continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners,” adding that the discussions underscored a shared commitment to regional security and stability. The United States and regional partners operate the world’s most sophisticated and largest active air and missile defense umbrella across the Middle East. In January, CENTCOM and regional countries established a new Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell for sharing information and threat warnings as well as responding to contingencies. Officials are seen at the conference in Bahrain. (BNA) The security dialogue marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a regional defense conference led by the United States. Speaking at the event, Bahraini Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi said the region is experiencing rapid developments and profound geopolitical shifts following Iran’s “treacherous and criminal attacks” targeting national security, sovereignty, and civilian infrastructure. Al Nuaimi said the region’s exceptional geopolitical and economic importance requires a clear understanding of current and future challenges and the development of comprehensive strategic solutions based on collective resolve. Closer cooperation, greater cohesion, and stronger unity are essential to confronting regional threats with determination, he stressed.
