Pillar IV: Building a Regional Security Architecture

This pillar will assess pathways toward an inclusive Middle East security architecture by exploring both new and existing frameworks.

A foundational pillar, this initiative will explore approaches to building a regional security architecture for the Middle East, the most conflict-prone region in the world and yet the only region lacking an inclusive, multilateral forum for dialogue and cooperation on security issues. While a comprehensive regional security architecture ultimately will be essential to sustain diplomatic, development, and economic progress, the initiative initially will examine ways to strengthen/expand existing structures. It will assess the heightened risks of conflict among regional powers as some seek to shape the contours of the emerging order militarily. 

Specifically, this initiative will take stock of existing agreements such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) in Bahrain and “mini-lateral” groupings such as GCC+ formats, the Baghdad conference format and the Red Sea Council as potential models. It will also explore the GCC’s “New Vision” for regional security cooperation as well as other regional security architecture models such as ASEAN. The Middle East Program will address “seam” issues including Gulf power projection and competition in the Red Sea/Horn of Africa.

This initiative is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

The Regional Reverberations of the U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran

After U.S./Israeli strikes, how will regional actors respond and what reactions might emerge from Iran’s proxies amid rising Middle East tensions?

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Critical Questions by Mona Yacoubian — March 1, 2026

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United States and Iran on the Brink: What's at Stake?

CSIS Middle East Program experts discussed developments between the United States and Iran following Iran's brutal crackdown on protestors, President Trump’s ordering of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region, and recent high-stakes negotiations.

Transcript — February 18, 2026