20 August
The Kingdom of Bahrain says it will participate in an international coalition proposed by the United States to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain's state media reported that King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa confirmed Bahrain's participation on Monday during a visit by the commander of the US Central Command to the nation's capital, Manama.
Bahrain is the second country after the United Kingdom to announce its participation. Observers saw Bahrain as an important base for the coalition, as the US Fifth Fleet overseeing the Persian Gulf is headquartered there. The British Royal Navy also has a supply base in the country.
The US Central Command released a statement on Monday saying it appreciates the King's decision to take an active role in preserving the freedom of navigation, promoting maritime security and de-escalating regional tensions.
The statement says that the free flow of commerce throughout international waterways is a linchpin of the global economy.
They also said that threats to the free flow of commerce are an international problem requiring an international solution.
Amid rising tensions with Iran, the US government has been calling on nations to join the mission in securing freedom of navigation.
Bahrain, keeping pace with Saudi Arabia, has taken hostile diplomatic policies toward Iran.
But many other countries in the Gulf region are taking a cautious stance, as they do not want tensions between the US and Iran to further escalate. It remains uncertain whether more countries will join the US-led coalition.
NHK
