November 10, 2026
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries approved a new military step aimed at strengthening their joint defense capabilities, which was represented by agreeing to establish an advanced headquarters for the unified military command in the State of Kuwait, with the allocation of appropriate forces to it. This is in light of the regional security challenges and escalating tensions related to the Iranian attacks.
This step was announced by the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, where he explained that the defense ministers of the member states agreed to open the new headquarters, within the framework of efforts to enhance military integration, and raise the level of coordination and readiness to deal with current and future threats.
Al-Budaiwi stated that the decision was taken during the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council, which was hosted by the Bahraini capital, Manama, headed by the Bahraini Minister of Defense Affairs, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and with the participation of the defense ministers of the Council countries.
The Secretary-General affirmed that the leaders of the GCC countries give joint military action a top priority as it is a fundamental pillar for protecting security, stability and sovereignty, pointing out that this step comes as a continuation of the directives issued by the leaders of the countries during their extraordinary meeting in the city of Jeddah last April.
Regarding regional security, Al-Budaiwi touched on the Iranian attacks, reviewing their repercussions, praising the level of military cooperation and coordination between the Gulf countries to confront them, stressing that Gulf security is a collective responsibility that requires integrated efforts to protect lands, capabilities, citizens and residents.
In decisive political stances, the Secretary-General condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted the GCC countries and resulted in damage to civilian facilities and infrastructure. He also condemned the attacks of the Houthi group that targeted Saudi Arabia and the holy places, stressing full Gulf solidarity with the Kingdom and supporting all measures it takes to preserve its security and stability.
Al-Budaiwi concluded by stressing that the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council witnessed the discussion and approval of a package of vital decisions aimed at expanding the horizons of military cooperation and enhancing integration between the armed forces of member states, and placed the decision to establish the advanced headquarters in Kuwait and allocate its forces at the forefront of these joint defense directions.
