The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) defence ministers have approved the establishment of an advanced forward command headquarters for the Unified Military Command in Kuwait, along with the allocation of appropriate forces to support its operations.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi announced the decision following the 23rd meeting of the GCC Joint Defence Council, held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Manama, Bahrain, under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s Minister of Defence Affairs, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and attended by defence ministers from GCC member states.
Al-Budaiwi said the decision reflected the continued commitment of GCC leaders to strengthening joint military cooperation and enhancing the collective ability of member states to address present and future security challenges. He noted that the region’s joint defence efforts continued to receive the attention and support of GCC leaders, who recognise the importance of protecting the security, stability, sovereignty and independence of their countries.
He also recalled the directives issued by GCC leaders during their extraordinary meeting in Jeddah in April to reinforce Gulf military cooperation, describing them as a reflection of a firm collective determination to safeguard the security and sovereignty of member states and strengthen their capacity to confront common threats.
Addressing the regional situation, Al-Budaiwi referred to what he described as Iranian attacks against GCC countries, commending the level of military coordination and cooperation among member states in confronting the developments and their consequences. He said the cooperation demonstrated Gulf solidarity and the integration of military efforts, stressing that the security of GCC countries was a shared responsibility.
The secretary-general also praised the courage and high level of professionalism demonstrated by GCC armed forces in responding to the attacks, as well as the sacrifices made by military personnel in carrying out their national duties. He said their commitment and dedication reflected their responsibility in protecting their countries and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Al-Budaiwi expressed condolences for those killed during the recent events, praying for mercy for the fallen and patience for their families, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery. He said the sacrifices of military personnel would remain firmly embedded in the collective memory of Gulf communities and serve as a source of pride for future generations.
He also strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on GCC countries, which he said had damaged civilian facilities and infrastructure. In addition, he condemned what he described as Houthi militia attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the targeting of holy sites, calling them a violation of their sanctity and a threat to the Kingdom’s security and sovereignty.
Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to protect its security, stability, territorial integrity and holy sites. He stressed that the Kingdom’s security was inseparable from that of all GCC member states.
The secretary-general said the agenda of the 23rd Joint Defence Council meeting included several important decisions aimed at taking Gulf joint military cooperation towards broader horizons of integration.
