The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) convened senior defence officials from 12 Middle Eastern countries in Bahrain this week for a regional security dialogue aimed at strengthening military cooperation and addressing the evolving security landscape.
the meeting hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force and chaired by CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, brought together military representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
participants discussed regional security challenges, opportunities to enhance defence cooperation and the importance of maintaining the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Cooper said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to regional security and stability, adding that the United States would continue to work closely with its regional partners.
Syria marks first participation
A Syrian military delegation led by Col. Ahmad Saeed Issa, director of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, represented Damascus at the conference, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The event marked the first time military leaders from both Syria and Lebanon had participated in a CENTCOM-led meeting, signalling expanding regional military engagement following political changes in Syria.
The conference follows Syria’s participation in the Efes 2026 multinational military exercises in Turkiye in May, alongside forces from around 50 countries, including NATO members, marking its first involvement in such drills since the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.
Syria also joined the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh as its 90th member in November, further reflecting its growing engagement in regional and international security initiatives.
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