US Central Command Leads Regional Security Dialogue with 12 Countries Including Syria and Lebanon

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) spearheaded a regional security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force on July 1, involving defense leaders from 12 countries.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, along with senior military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, discussed the current regional security environment and opportunities to enhance defense cooperation across the region. The leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Cooper stated, "We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners," adding that "the discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment to regional security and stability."

The United States and its regional partners operate the largest and most advanced air and missile defense systems worldwide throughout the Middle East. In January, CENTCOM and regional countries established a new air defense coordination cell in the Middle East to facilitate information sharing, threat warnings, and emergency response.

This security dialogue marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a US-led regional defense conference.