NATO DISCUSSED THE SITUATION IN MIDDLE EAST WITH ITS GULF PARTNERS

On March 18, 2026, the North Atlantic Council (NATO's highest decision-making body) met with NATO's partners in the Middle East. The discussions addressed the current security situation in the Middle East and the potential impact of a potential Israeli-US/Iran conflict in the region. The effects of this conflict, particularly on the Gulf states and Euro-Atlantic security, were a key topic of the meeting.

NATO is not directly involved in the Middle East. However, issues such as energy reserves, maritime trade, terrorism, and the risk of instability directly affect Europe. Therefore, even though the issue is a crisis in the Middle East, it also poses a threat to European security. NATO has the right to intervene directly in matters that threaten European security. On the other hand, NATO's allies in the Gulf region are seeking assistance from NATO in their search for security against the Iranian threat and to strengthen their military ties with the West.

During the meetings, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska and representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates exchanged views. They expressed solidarity with their Gulf allies and strongly condemned Iran's attacks in the region. The allies emphasized the need to increase dialogue with partners to enhance and strengthen cooperation, including issues such as maritime security, counter-drone operations, protection of critical infrastructure, and counter-terrorism.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are also members of NATO's Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, established in 2004. Its aim is to facilitate NATO's cooperation with Gulf countries in the areas of security and defense.

    REFERENCES:

-https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/articles/news/2026/03/19/nato-allies-and-gulf-partners-discuss-the-security-situation-in-the-middle-east?selectedLocale=