Iran has rejected a regional security dialogue held in Bahrain under United States leadership. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi criticized the meeting, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control, not the US military. He stated that security in the Middle East cannot be achieved under the American military umbrella. Representatives from 12 countries reportedly discussed the strait under US leadership.

In a post on social media platform X, Gharibabadi wrote that the definition of Hormuz lies under Iran’s authority, not under CENTCOM. He added that the Bahrain military summit cannot establish legal order or security for the Persian Gulf. According to him, ensuring regional security requires ending foreign interference, withdrawing US troops, respecting national sovereignty, and accepting new geopolitical realities.

His remarks came as the United States announced that senior military officials from 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, and Syria, met in Bahrain and reaffirmed their commitment to the free flow of commerce through the strait.