US and Gulf States Support Iraq's Efforts to Centralize Arms Control

MANAMA, Bahrain — Foreign ministers from the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed support for the Iraqi government's efforts to bring weapons under state control during a joint meeting in Manama. The meeting was co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, with the participation of the GCC member states and Secretary-General GCC Jasem Al-Badevi in attendance. Participants backed the steps taken by Prime Minister Ali Falih ez-Zeydi's government to strengthen state authority and consolidate security decisions within official institutions. Attendees emphasized the need to prevent non-state armed groups from using Iraqi territory to threaten the security of neighboring countries. The ministers also condemned drone attacks by Iran-linked groups targeting civilian facilities and energy infrastructure in Gulf states. The discussions further addressed negotiations with Iran and developments in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, with a call for strengthened regional stability. The ministers urged Baghdad to continue its efforts to ensure the security of diplomatic missions and fulfill its international obligations.