"Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM": Gharibabadi dismisses US security dialogue
Tehran, July 2
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi on Thursday strongly criticised the US-led regional security summit in Bahrain, rejecting Western attempts to allegedly dictate security frameworks in the Persian Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Gharibabadi dismissed both the legitimacy of the military summit and the authority of the American command structure in the region, asserting that "Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM." He maintained that a military summit in Bahrain cannot establish "legal order and security for the Persian Gulf".
The Iranian diplomat emphasised that long-term stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved through foreign military coalitions, affirming that regional security must be managed internally by neighbouring states, "not under the military umbrella of America."
"Hormuz is defined under Iran's command, not CENTCOM. A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf. The region's security will be ensured through the end of interventions and the U.S. withdrawal from the area, respect for countries' sovereignty, and acceptance of new geopolitical realities--not under the military umbrella of America," he wrote.
His remarks follow the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announcement that top military leaders from a dozen nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, and Syria, had convened in Bahrain to reinforce their "commitment to the free flow of commerce" through the strategic waterway.
CENTCOM on Wednesday (local time) spearheaded a security dialogue hosted by the Bahrain Defense Force, bringing together top military officials from 12 nations to address the current security landscape in the Middle East.
In a post on X, CENTCOM stated that the high-level conference featured discussions led by Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, alongside senior military representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
A central focus of the meeting was the shared commitment among the nations to safeguard the free flow of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint.
"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," it wrote on X.
"We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our regional partners," Adm. Cooper said following the talks. "The discussions underscored our shared commitment to regional security and stability," he added.
The conference marked a significant diplomatic and military milestone, with CENTOM stating that "the security dialogue marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a regional defense conference led by the United States."
The gathering highlighted expanding efforts to protect regional airspace against evolving threats. Furthermore, the CENTCOM reflected on previous efforts made to ensure coordination and information flow regarding the Middle East tensions.
"The United States and regional partners operate the world's most sophisticated and largest active air and missile defense umbrella across the Middle East. In January, CENTCOM and regional countries established a new Middle Eastern Air Defense coordination cell for sharing information and threat warnings as well as responding to contingencies," it wrote.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see Syria and Lebanon joining US-led talks—says a lot about shifting alliances. But let's be real, who pays the piper calls the tune. CENTCOM wants control of oil routes, not just "free commerce." India should watch closely as we depend heavily on Gulf oil. 🇮🇳
Iran's position is understandable but also problematic. Hormuz is international waters and any disruption hurts everyone, including us. The US may be overreaching, but leaving a vacuum could empower Iran too much. A balanced approach is needed—India can play mediator role.
Good for Iran to speak up. The US has been bullying nations in our region for decades. Look at Iraq, Afghanistan—they created chaos, not security. Middle East nations need to solve their own problems without America's military umbrella. India should support this principle.
Pragmatic take: Iran is bluffing to an extent. They want to be seen as strong but cannot afford conflict. The US also knows they need Gulf cooperation. For India, our priority is energy security—we should maintain good ties with both Iran and the Gulf states. Simple.
Iran's statement is bold but unrealistic. Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint—no single country can control it. The US-led coalition includes major regional players like Saudi and UAE. Iran should negotiate rather than make confrontational statements. Jus' saying.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.