US CENTCOM Convenes Regional Military Leaders in Germany
Senior military officials from the US, Israel, and key Arab states gathered in Germany for a high-level security summit focused on countering Iranian influence and securing critical maritime routes.
A high-level security conference convened in Germany last week, bringing together senior military commanders from the United States, Israel, and several Arab nations. According to reports from Axios and The Jerusalem Post, the meeting was organized by Admiral Brad Cooper, the chief of US Central Command (CENTCOM). The gathering marked a significant moment of direct military dialogue between Israel and Gulf states, a channel that has remained largely informal or indirect in recent years.
The attendance list included chiefs of staff from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt, alongside their American and Israeli counterparts. US officials confirmed to The Jerusalem Post that the session was a scheduled conference aimed at enhancing security cooperation across the Middle East. While the specific agenda details were not fully disclosed, the primary focus was the growing threat posed by Iran and its proxy networks, which have increasingly targeted US bases and regional infrastructure.
Assurances of continued US presence
During the discussions, Admiral Cooper reportedly provided reassurances to the attending chiefs of staff that the United States would not withdraw its forces from the region. This commitment was framed in the context of recent Iranian attacks on US military installations across the Middle East. The US leader also briefed the group on plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and to increase the volume of safe maritime traffic in the area.
Deepening ties between Israel and Gulf states
Israeli officials indicated that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir briefed the Arab delegation on Israel’s ongoing operations across its various fronts. This direct exchange of military intelligence suggests a strengthening of ties between Israel and nearby Gulf states, potentially following the trajectory set by the Abraham Accords. Such cooperation is not entirely new; in 2022, senior military leaders from Israel and Saudi Arabia met to discuss countering Iranian threats, and various channels of communication have existed in recent years.
The diplomatic momentum appears to be building, with Israel’s ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, suggesting earlier this week that Kuwait may join the Abraham Accords within the next four to six months. US President Donald Trump has also engaged with leaders from across the region, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing the need for a unified regional approach to security challenges.
Escalating Houthi threats to shipping
The summit took place against a backdrop of escalating violence from the Iran-backed Houthis, who have stepped up attacks on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure. The group has also advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising concerns over the security of global shipping lanes. In response to the threat, Washington has informed Riyadh that it will provide intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance, though it has not agreed to direct US strikes on the group.
Israel has also committed to assisting Saudi Arabia in its defense against the Houthi threat, reportedly providing military intelligence during a recent meeting mediated by CENTCOM. The urgency of the situation was underscored on Monday, when strikes by the Houthis on the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif resulted in thirteen civilian injuries. As the regional conflict widens, the focus now turns to whether this new framework of military cooperation can effectively stabilize the volatile security environment in the Gulf.
