# Middle East regional security cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-regional-security-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-30T16:45:45.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 2.

Military and political leaders from the United States, Israel, and several Arab nations have engaged in high-level discussions to strengthen regional security and defense cooperation.

In mid-September, senior military commanders from the U.S., Israel, and eight Arab nations met in Germany. Organized by U.S. Central Command, the meeting addressed regional security, the conflict with Iran, and Houthi-related tensions. During these sessions, U.S. officials affirmed that American forces would not withdraw from the Middle East and detailed plans to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

By late September, discussions expanded to include political leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations and regional security challenges. While official statements focused on strengthening ties, reports from Israeli media and intelligence sources suggest the talks involved broader strategic discussions, including the potential establishment of a regional defense framework involving the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco.

These discussions reportedly addressed shared threats from Iran and the Houthi militia, specifically regarding security in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. One source indicated that Netanyahu shared intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear program progress, specifically mentioning construction at the Pickaxe mountain site. Although some reports claimed Saudi Arabian officials participated in these expanded discussions, Saudi officials have explicitly denied any such meeting or participation, stating their position toward Israel remains unchanged.

## Claims

- Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations and regional challenges. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The meeting reportedly involved officials from 10 countries to discuss a regional defense framework and security cooperation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Discussions reportedly included threats from the Houthi group in Yemen and security in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Netanyahu shared intelligence with the UAE leader regarding Iranian nuclear program progress and construction at the Pickaxe mountain site. (single source)
- Saudi officials denied participating in the meeting or any discussions involving Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi. (single source)
- The meeting reportedly addressed the possibility of creating an oil transportation route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Netanyahu and UAE President meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss regional security

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral ties and regional security, including Iranian nuclear threats and Houthi militia activity.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israel-and-uae-hold-expanded-security-talks-in-abu-dhabi

### 2026-09-15: US, Israel, and Arab military chiefs hold secret meeting in Germany

U.S., Israeli, and eight Arab military leaders held a secret meeting in Germany to discuss regional security, the Iran conflict, and maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-regional-military-leaders-hold-security-talks-in-germany

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Cite as: Middle East regional security cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-regional-security-cooperation