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: Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2026

Photo: Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2026

The Houthis Enter the Iran War and Everything Gets Worse

The Houthis’ entry into the Iran war is creating a dangerous new front for Saudi Arabia—potentially forcing it into a military escalation that the United States wants to avoid.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — August 13, 2026

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Photo: CSIS

After Hormuz: Will the Houthis Block Another Chokepoint?

On March 28th, Iran's Yemeni proxy joined the war in the Middle East, firing missiles at Israel. But they have not yet played one of the most important cards still at their disposal – attacking shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint.

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The Middle East at a “Hinge Moment”

The Middle East has entered a hinge moment—the old order dying, a new one yet to emerge. As the region’s own actors, fortified by newfound agency, compete to shape this unsettled interval, many trajectories, from renewed conflict to stabilization, remain possible.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — September 9, 2026

Will the U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Proceed?

President Trump's last-minute link between the U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement and Israel normalization injects new uncertainty into an already contentious deal.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — July 23, 2026

Is the Iran War Entering a Dangerous New Phase?

Escalating U.S.-Iran strikes are widening the conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Gulf infrastructure, regional stability, and global energy security. Yet behind the fighting, mediators are searching for an off-ramp before the crisis spirals further.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian — July 20, 2026

What the Iran War Is Costing Joint Gulf-U.S. Ambitions for AI

For decades, Gulf states invested trillions into the U.S. economy, tied their security to Washington, and bet that alignment was the price of protection. The Iran war raised a clear question: Was alignment the cause of the threat, rather than the cure for it?

Commentary by Joseph A. Farsakh — July 15, 2026