"Outsiders cannot even protect themselves": Iran's FM Araghchi lashes out as CENTCOM gathers 12 nations for security dialogue
Tehran, July 3
US Central Command has convened a landmark regional security conference in Bahrain, bringing together military leaders from 12 nations, including unprecedented participation from Syria and Lebanon.
The high-level summit, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, aimed to fortify the Middle East's unified air defence umbrella and secure vital maritime shipping lanes.
However, the American-led initiative immediately drew fierce condemnation from Tehran, exposing deep geopolitical fault lines over who should police the volatile region.
Responding sharply to the military gathering in Manama, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi firmly rejected the notion that Western intervention brings stability to West Asia.
Taking to X, Araghchi argued that lasting peace can only be achieved internally, without the shadow of the Pentagon.
"Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear," Araghchi stated. "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."
Earlier, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, 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 West Asia 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 US withdrawal from the area, respect for countries' sovereignty, and acceptance of new geopolitical realities--not under the military umbrella of America," he said.
Both of the Iranian officials' 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 West Asia.
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 said on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is classic geopolitical theater. CENTCOM wants to control the Strait of Hormuz because 20% of global oil passes through it. Iran doesn't want that. Meanwhile, India imports a lot of oil from that region, so we should watch closely. Our own Chabahar port deal with Iran gives us leverage against Pakistan-China axis. Smart diplomacy by Modi ji. 👍
Iran has a point. West Asia has suffered enough from foreign interventions. America's 'security umbrella' looks more like an imperial project. But Iran's own record with human rights and meddling in Yemen/Syria is problematic. Regional powers like Saudi, Iran, and Israel need to sit down, not invite outsiders. India should offer mediation—we have good relations with Iran, Israel, and the Gulf states. Har Ki Dooni mein kya? 🙏
Honestly, both sides are wrong here. Iran dictating security for Hormuz is laughable when they've attacked tankers and seized ships. But US-led coalitions always end in disaster. The real solution is cooperation through UN or regional bodies like GCC and OIC. India's presence in Bahrain and our naval exercises with both US and Iran show we can balance. Wake up, diplomats! 😐
Iran's foreign minister sounds like a broken record. 'No outside interference' but they interfere everywhere! Syria, Yemen, Lebanon. Meanwhile, CENTCOM includes Syria and Lebanon in the dialogue—that's interesting. For India, this is about energy security. If Hormuz gets blocked, our oil prices skyrocket. Our navy should increase presence in Persian Gulf. Beti hoon par desh se pyaar hai. 💪
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.