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Bahraini King Asserts Need to Ensure Regional Maritime Security against Hostile Actions

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his reception of senior officials at the IISS Manama Dialogue (BNA)
Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his reception of senior officials at the IISS Manama Dialogue (BNA)
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Bahraini King Asserts Need to Ensure Regional Maritime Security against Hostile Actions

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his reception of senior officials at the IISS Manama Dialogue (BNA)
Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his reception of senior officials at the IISS Manama Dialogue (BNA)

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stressed the need to ensure regional maritime security against any hostile actions and the need to protect the freedom of navigation and commercial sea routes that serve the entire global economy.

During his reception of senior participants of the 17th IISS Manama Dialogue, King Hamad said that the Middle East, which is a highly-important region in the world, continues to be threatened in its security and stability amid mounting challenges.

He reiterated Bahrain's firm commitment to peace, dialogue, and coexistence, as stipulated recently in the Abraham Accords, adding that these historic agreements embody "our principled and courageous approach to achieving peace as the supreme goal of our region and all its peoples."

The King described the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as the "cornerstone of stability." He stressed their unity's importance as a source of strength for all stakeholders in the region and abroad.

He affirmed Bahrain's commitment to opening channels of communication to settle any stalled issues, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Also, on the sidelines of the Forum, Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, met the US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk.

The two sides reviewed the close historical relations between Bahrain and the US, discussing ways to enhance their cooperation in all fields for the benefit of both countries.

They also reviewed the political and security developments in the region, the challenges that threaten it, and the efforts made to consolidate security, peace, and development.

Zayani met the Secretary-General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), Maj. Gen. Pilot Mohammed bin Saeed al-Mughidi and they discussed the efforts of the Coalition in coordinating joint action among all countries to confront terrorism and its sources of funding.

They also addressed combating the deviant terrorist ideology through the intellectual, media, military, and financing fields.

The meeting touched on means to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism and the international efforts to combat it and achieve security and stability.

In addition, Zayani received the US Jewish Committee Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, Jason Isaacson.

They discussed aspects of developing cooperation and coordination in all areas related to strengthening the foundations of peace and stability, spreading a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, exchanging views on the latest developments in the region's political situation, and discussing topics of common concern.

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Gulf

GCC Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: Escalation Poses Grave Threat to Gulf Security

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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GCC Chief to Asharq Al-Awsat: Escalation Poses Grave Threat to Gulf Security

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is maintaining regular and active communication with all international parties involved in the ongoing conflict, as part of broader diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi told Asharq Al-Awsat Wednesday.

Albudaiwi said the GCC views the military escalation between Iran and Israel as a “grave threat” to the security and stability of the Gulf region. He added that the Council, through its official channels, continues to emphasize that “dialogue and restraint” remain the most effective path to safeguarding regional security and stability.

As military confrontations between Israel and Iran entered their sixth day on Wednesday, Albudaiwi warned that the situation was “unprecedented and deeply concerning”.

Albudaiwi also noted that the GCC’s 48th extraordinary ministerial meeting on Monday concluded that the rapidly unfolding events could spiral into a wider regional conflict.

He added that the Council is ramping up diplomatic pressure, calling on all international actors -- including the UN Security Council -- to intervene and prevent further escalation.

Albudaiwi also pointed to the unified Gulf statement issued after the emergency meeting, alongside individual condemnations by all six GCC member states. The declarations denounced Israel’s strikes on Iran and called for immediate de-escalation and restraint.

The Secretary-General underscored the bloc’s ongoing diplomatic push, noting that Gulf states have urged the United States to pressure Israel into accepting an immediate ceasefire.

The GCC is also advocating for the revival of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as part of a coordinated Gulf and international initiative to contain the crisis.

The GCC is holding regular talks with the United Nations, the United States, and allied nations as part of its diplomatic campaign to defuse tensions between Iran and Israel, Albudaiwi confirmed.

“These are the main formal channels for dialogue,” Albudaiwi told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that the Council has sent unified diplomatic messages rejecting the ongoing escalation and urging restraint.

The communications also included calls to revive peace efforts in the region.

He explained that the GCC’s diplomatic engagement spans official correspondence, closed-door talks, and meetings held within international frameworks, all aimed at restoring regional stability and absorbing tensions without resorting to military options.

“Through this approach, GCC states are pursuing a comprehensive and balanced diplomatic strategy that hinges on communication and coordination with major international powers and global organizations,” Albudaiwi said.

“The objective is clear: to contain the crisis and prevent it from erupting into a broader regional confrontation,” he affirmed.

Albudaiwi mentioned that the GCC has reached “advanced levels” of coordination among member states to confront disasters and emergencies, including non-conventional threats such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Gulf states are actively engaged in joint preparedness efforts through early warning and detection networks, enabling rapid and coordinated responses to potential crises.

In light of growing concerns over potential fallout from Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC states are equipped with sophisticated radiation and environmental monitoring systems.

These systems allow for the real-time exchange of data via secure channels among relevant national authorities to detect any abnormal indicators at an early stage.

He said this capability is supported by the GCC Emergency Management Center, which plays a key role in coordinating simulation exercises and joint drills focused on unconventional weapons scenarios. These efforts span civilian, security, and defense sectors and aim to boost collective readiness, update national emergency plans, and improve response coordination.

The drills, Albudaiwi noted, are conducted in line with global best practices and are backed by intergovernmental agreements involving defense, interior, and health ministries, all designed to reinforce the Gulf’s collective security framework in the face of emerging threats.