Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke on the phone today with Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to reaffirm the strong and enduring U.S.-Bahrain defense partnership and discuss regional issues.

Secretary Austin thanked the Crown Prince for Bahrain's role in promoting regional security, including through its continued hosting of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT) and the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian. The two discussed a range of security issues, including efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, de-escalate in Lebanon, and counter Houthi threats to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Secretary Austin underscored the United States' commitment to de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy, and protecting U.S. citizens and forces in the Middle East. He encouraged continued bilateral cooperation in areas that support Bahrain's defense and promote regional stability and security.