Bahrain to Join US-led Maritime Security Mission in Gulf

Bahrain is set to join a US-led maritime security mission geared toward ensuring freedom of navigation in vital Gulf waterways; this, following a series of attacks on oil tankers attributed to Iran. In a meeting with the head of the US military’s Central Command, which oversees American operations in the Middle East, Bahraini King Hamad expressed appreciation for Washington’s “role in supporting regional security and stability.” Bahrain, which hosts the US’ Fifth Fleet, recently announced that it would co-host a conference with the US in October on “maritime and air navigation security.” In June, a US-led workshop was held in Manama, where the economic components of President Donald Trump’s Israeli-Palestinian peace plan were unveiled. Earlier this month, London confirmed its participation in the maritime initiative, after Iranian forces seized the British-flagged Stena Impero near the Strait of Hormuz. Israel is also reportedly providing intelligence to the mission.