GCC approves new forward military command in Kuwait, allocates forces
GCC defense ministers have agreed to establish a forward command for the unified military command in Kuwait and assign appropriate forces, the bloc's secretary-general announced.
Key Takeaways
AIJassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, announced that the defense ministers of GCC member states have approved the establishment of a forward command for the unified military command in Kuwait and the allocation of suitable forces to it.
This decision was among those adopted by the Joint Defense Council at its 23rd session, held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Manama. The meeting was chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Defense Affairs, Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and attended by defense ministers from across the GCC.
Al-Budaiwi noted that joint Gulf military cooperation enjoys the support and attention of the region’s leaders, aiming to strengthen security and stability and enhance capabilities to address current and future challenges.
He stressed that the decision to open the forward command in Kuwait follows directives issued at the GCC leaders’ meeting in Jeddah last April to bolster joint military action among member states.
Al-Budaiwi also addressed the region’s rapidly evolving developments, praising the level of military cooperation among GCC states in confronting Iranian attacks. He affirmed that Gulf security is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated military efforts to protect the territory, citizens, and residents of member countries.
He expressed pride in the courage and competence shown by Gulf armed forces in responding to Iranian aggression, offering condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Al-Budaiwi condemned Iranian attacks on GCC countries, as well as Houthi militia assaults on Saudi Arabia and the targeting of holy sites. He affirmed the GCC’s unified support for Saudi Arabia and its full backing for all measures taken to safeguard its security and territorial integrity.
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He concluded by noting that the current session of the Joint Defense Council included several important decisions to further strengthen Gulf military cooperation.