Gulf Trio Advances Security Ties Under Bahrain Pact

Manama―Officials from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Kingdom and the United States convened in Manama for the annual meeting of the Defence Working Group under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, affirming a strengthened trilateral security framework. The meeting on 1 November brought together His Highness Lt Gen Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s National Security Advisor and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, and Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command.

During the session, the United Kingdom’s accession to C-SIPA was officially welcomed, marking a key step in expanding the pact beyond its original bilateral scope between Bahrain and the United States. Participants underscored Article II’s commitment to regard attacks on any party’s sovereignty, independence or territorial integrity as matters of grave concern to all members, thereby establishing a formalised collective-security posture. The discussions placed emphasis on deterring external threats, countering malign activity and aligning defence and intelligence assets across the Gulf region.

C-SIPA is described by British and international analysts as the most advanced formal security arrangement the United States maintains in the Gulf region outside of traditional alliances. The UK’s decision to join was first announced in December 2024 and ratified across relevant institutional mechanisms in 2025, drawing parliamentary commentary on its strategic rationale. The agreement’s scope is not confined to military collaboration but also incorporates trade, investment, innovation and technology-sharing elements.

The meeting also addressed the evolving security architecture within the Gulf with the United States and Bahrain promoting C-SIPA as a blueprint for broader multilateral integration. Analysts suggest that the UK’s inclusion enhances the agreement’s credibility and may open the door to additional regional partners. Countries such as Jordan, Egypt and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have been flagged as potential candidates, contingent on alignment of interests and shared security priorities.

Operationally, C-SIPA aligns with existing defence footprints in Bahrain, which hosts major US and UK naval facilities. The UK ambassador to Bahrain described the accession as a natural extension of long-standing cooperation, offering structure and shared purpose to existing military and intelligence ties. From Bahrain’s perspective, the agreement underpins its role as an anchor state for Western forces in the Gulf and strengthens deterrence in the face of escalating missile, drone and maritime-security threats.