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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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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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

How Arab Gulf States View the Emerging Iran Deal

A prospective deal between the United States and Iran could shape the contours of an emerging order in the Middle East. Gulf states are paying attention.

Commentary by Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman — May 26, 2026