Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticised the US Central Command (CENTCOM) for convening a landmark regional security conference in Bahrain, arguing that Western intervention undermines stability in West Asia. The summit, which brought together military leaders from 12 nations including Syria and Lebanon, aimed to strengthen the Middle East's unified air defence umbrella and secure vital maritime shipping lanes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Rejects Western-Led Security Framework
In a sharp response on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi questioned CENTCOM's role in the region. "Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear," he wrote. "Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves. Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference."
His remarks came as CENTCOM announced that top military officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen had gathered in Manama to reinforce their commitment to the free flow of commerce through the strategic waterway.
Iranian Deputy FM: Hormuz Under Iran's Command
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, also dismissed the legitimacy of the summit. In a post on X, he asserted that "Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM. A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf." He emphasised that long-term stability must come from within the region, not from foreign military coalitions.
"The region's security will be ensured through the end of interventions and the US withdrawal from the area, respect for countries' sovereignty, and acceptance of new geopolitical realities--not under the military umbrella of America," Gharibabadi said.
CENTCOM's Security Dialogue in Bahrain
The high-level conference, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, was spearheaded by CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper. Discussions focused on the current regional security environment and opportunities for enhancing defence collaboration. Leaders underscored their shared commitment to safeguarding commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint.
CENTCOM stated on X: "Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, and 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 for enhancing defense collaboration across the region. Leaders underscored their shared commitment to the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz."
Geopolitical Fault Lines Exposed
The American-led initiative has drawn fierce condemnation from Tehran, exposing deep divisions over who should police the volatile region. Iran maintains that regional security must be managed internally by neighbouring states, without external interference. The summit's inclusion of Syria and Lebanon marks an unprecedented participation, further escalating tensions with Iran, which views these countries as part of its sphere of influence.
