Gulf states agree to establish forward military command in Kuwait

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) defense ministers agreed Tuesday to establish a forward headquarters for the bloc's Unified Military Command in Kuwait and assign forces to it as part of efforts to strengthen joint defense cooperation.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the decision was approved during the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council, held in Bahrain's capital Manama, according to a statement issued by the bloc.

The meeting was chaired by Bahrain's Minister of Defense Affairs Lt. Gen. Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, with the participation of defense ministers from the five other member states of the bloc.

The meeting came amid heightened regional tensions, including Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, concerns over renewed military confrontation between the US and Iran, and continued disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

He stressed that GCC leaders attach great importance to joint military cooperation, recognizing the role of their armed forces in safeguarding regional security, stability and sovereignty.

Albudaiwi said the meeting's agenda included several significant decisions aimed at expanding military cooperation and advancing defense integration among member states, without providing further details.

The GCC's Unified Military Command, headquartered in Riyadh, was established to coordinate joint military operations and strengthen defense cooperation among member states.

The latest decision follows an Oct. 29 meeting of GCC armed forces chiefs of staff in Manama, where military leaders discussed strengthening defense cooperation and coordination in response to regional security challenges.

​​​​​​​The GCC, established in 1981, is a six-member regional organization comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, aimed at promoting political, economic and security cooperation.