Iran challenges CENTCOM’s role after Bahrain defence dialogue
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Abdullateef Fowewe
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has questioned the effectiveness of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) in delivering regional security, responding to a Bahrain-hosted defence dialogue that brought together 12 regional nations to discuss defence cooperation and air-defence coordination.
“Has CENTCOM brought security or insecurity to our region? The answer is clear,” Araghchi wrote in a statement shared on social media, directly challenging the U.S.-led presence in the Gulf.
He added that recent tensions and strikes on foreign bases underscore his point.
“Equally, our Powerful Armed Forces have proven that outsiders cannot even protect themselves,” he added.
Araghchi warned that sustainable peace in the Middle East will not come from outside powers.
“Peace in our region can only be sustained when comprehensive and inclusive, with no outside interference,” he said, calling for regional-led approaches to de‑escalation and security arrangements.
The remarks come as Bahrain convened defence officials from a dozen countries to strengthen coordination on air-defence and counter-threat measures, an effort framed by organisers as aimed at enhancing collective deterrence.
Tehran’s reaction highlights ongoing regional polarisation over the presence and role of external military forces in Gulf security and follows a series of recent incidents that have raised concerns about escalation and the protection of foreign bases.
