Iran has pushed back after Qatar joined a CENTCOM-led security dialogue in Bahrain, where defence leaders discussed regional cooperation and the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has fired back at the United States after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed regional defence officials reaffirmed their commitment to free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, flatly rejecting the assertion and insisting Tehran — not Washington — holds authority over the waterway. CENTCOM had convened defence leaders from 12 countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in Bahrain on July 1.

“Hormuz is defined under Iran’s command, not CENTCOM,” Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, wrote on social media.

“A military summit in Bahrain cannot establish legal order and security for the Persian Gulf.”

The remarks came after the CENTCOM announced it had convened defence officials from Qatar, the U.S., Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, and Yemen on July 1.

The central command also said the meeting, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, marked the first time military leaders from Syria and Lebanon participated in a U.S.-led regional defence conference.

CENTCOM said the talks focused on the regional security environment, strengthening defence cooperation, and protecting the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

The U.S. will continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with regional partners, according to CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, who described the talks as a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

The exchange comes as regional security discussions continue following the Islamabad MoU, with Qatar maintaining its support for dialogue-based efforts while Iran reiterates its opposition to a U.S.-led security role in the Gulf.