Senior American and Arab officials convened in Riyadh for the first security forum since the war in Gaza, focusing on heightened regional security concerns and cooperation between the US and Gulf states. The gathering, hosted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprised defense working groups that had previously pledged to enhance intelligence sharing and improve their air and missile defense networks. The recent conflict has intensified the imperative of such cooperation.
The US-led discussions, co-chaired by Pentagon head of Middle East Policy Dan Shapiro, come at a time when the region has been besieged by over 175 attacks on US forces and 90 attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by militias backed by Iran and the Houthi militia in Yemen, respectively. In response, Operation Prosperity Guardian was initiated to safeguard vessels from Houthi assaults, underscoring the gravity of maritime security concerns.
“These conversations are really more important than ever,” a senior US defense official stated, emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation among partners. The US, Israel, and a coalition of partners successfully countered an Iranian missile attack in April, demonstrating the efficacy of integrated air and missile defenses.
While the air and missile defense working group will look to improve early warning systems, maritime working group discussions will center on the Houthi threat. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Grady highlighted the need for a non-military solution in the Red Sea, despite the persistence of Houthi attacks. “It is true they continue,” the defense official acknowledged, while asserting that coalition efforts have debilitated the Houthis’ capabilities.
In the backdrop of these security challenges, the US and Arab states are separately discussing ways to increase aid to Gaza. A newly operational $300-million-dollar US-constructed pier aims to facilitate this assistance, although land aid remains restricted by Israel. Contrary to some expectations, “Gaza is not a particular focus of this meeting,” the official clarified.
The security dialogues are taking place amid other significant regional interactions. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss a “semi-final” security agreement, which seeks to find a credible path for resolving the Palestinian issue.
Relevant articles:
– U.S., Gulf states meet for first security forum since war in Gaza, Defense News, 05/22/2024
– Israel’s Arab neighbors crucial to post, DW (English), 05/22/2024
– US national security adviser, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince meet to discuss ‘semi-final’ security deal, The Associated Press, 05/20/2024
– East meets middle: China’s blossoming relationship with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, European Council on Foreign Relations, 05/20/2024
– At least 27 killed in central Gaza airstrike as U.S. envoy visits the region, CBS News, 05/19/2024
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