CENTCOM Leads Historic Security Dialogue with 12 Nations in Bahrain
U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper led a regional security dialogue in Manama on July 1, 2026, hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force. The meeting included defense leaders from 12 nations, notably marking the first time military officials from Syria and Lebanon participated in a U.S.-led regional defense conference. Discussions focused on enhancing defense collaboration, the Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell, and ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.