TDT | Manama

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The Gulf states are capable of defending themselves as a unified military force without relying on outside powers, Shura Council member Adel Al Assoomi said, describing the Bahrain Shield exercise as a strong deterrent to regional threats.

He said the drill, held amid heightened tensions across the Arabian Gulf, demonstrated the GCC's ability to respond collectively to any aggression. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's participation alongside forces from fellow GCC states underscored the region's commitment to joint defence.

'Bahrain and the Gulf countries possess the will and the ability to protect themselves by themselves,' Mr Al Assoomi said.

He said the exercise showed the GCC had progressed beyond military co-ordination to operational integration, with member states now operating under a unified combat doctrine and joint command.

'The GCC has moved beyond the stage of co-ordination to the stage of operational integration,' he said.

Mr Al Assoomi described Bahrain Shield as a practical demonstration of the GCC's collective security principle, under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.

'The Bahrain Shield exercise is a practical translation of the principle of collective security,' he said.

He said His Majesty the King's remarks on Iran's conduct reinforced the need to strengthen regional defence by integrating land, sea, air, space and cyber capabilities to enhance deterrence.

Despite the military preparedness, he stressed that the GCC remained committed to peace.

'The goal here is not confrontation, but rather imposing a reality that forces the other party to respect the principles of good neighbourliness,' he said.

Military strength would support diplomacy and help preserve regional stability.

'Power here is a tool for peace-making,' Mr Al Assoomi said.