Tehran: Iran has criticized a recent US-led military security summit in Bahrain, dismissing it as a mere public relations effort aimed at obscuring Washington's destabilizing actions in West Asia. Esmaeil Baqaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, voiced these concerns on X, in response to a US announcement about the 'Regional Security Dialogue' hosted by Bahrain's defense forces.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei stated that the US government has consistently disregarded the peace and security of countries in the West Asian region. He described the summit as "nothing but a display and window dressing" intended to mask what he described as the United States' destabilizing policies and unlawful activities in West Asia.

Baqaei further advised regional nations to remain vigilant and learn from recent incidents. He urged countries to be cautious and not overlook the evident consequences of recent US and Zionist military actions, which, according to him, have compromised regional security.

The Iranian spokesperson's remarks were made in response to an announcement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which stated that a security meeting had been held with military officials from 11 Middle Eastern countries, organized by the Bahrain Defense Force. The meeting reportedly included discussions on the current security situation in the region and potential avenues for enhancing defense collaboration.

CENTCOM's statement highlighted that the attending military officials, including those from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen, reiterated their collective commitment to ensuring the free passage of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This significant maritime route is under Iran's authority and has been a point of contention with the US.