https://arab.news/jx3xh
- For the first time, defense officials from the two countries took part in a security meeting with US Central Command and other nations from the region
- Military leaders from Gulf and elsewhere said they were committed to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz
LONDON: Military leaders from Syria and Lebanon joined for the first time commanders from across the Middle East at a United States defense conference on Wednesday.
The regional security dialogue was held in the Bahraini capital, Manama, and led by US Central Command, which coordinates military operations and cooperation across the Middle East and parts of Asia.
The meeting was attended by 10 other nations from the region: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen.
The meeting took place as the US and Iran continue negotiations to reach a peace agreement after the two sides last month signed a deal to end the conflict.
A key aspect of the talks is the full reopening to shipping of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blocked after the war started four months ago.
Central Command said the military leaders at the meeting discussed the regional security situation and “opportunities for enhancing defense collaboration across the region.”
The statement added: “Leaders underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said: “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners.
“The discussions underscored our shared commitment to regional security and stability.”
The US has increased cooperation with Syria as the country moved to improve relations with Washington after the fall of Bashar Assad in 2024.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have long received financial support from the US, and their role was recognized in an agreement reached last week between Lebanon and Israel.