Senior military leaders from the US, Israel and Gulf states held a secret
meeting in Germany last week organized by CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper, the
first such high-level gathering in more than six months since US and Israeli
operations against Iran. Participants included military chiefs from Israel,
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt. Cooper told
attendees US forces will not withdraw from the Middle East in response to
Iranian attacks on US bases and outlined plans to expand vessel transits through
the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli chief of staff Eyal Zamir briefed delegates on
Israeli operations across multiple fronts. Sources said Israel and Saudi Arabia,
with US assistance, are discussing Saudi military options supported by Israeli
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets
intensify and the group extends its influence around the Red Sea and Bab
al-Mandeb.
