MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: The Kingdom of Bahrain has been very active on the global diplomatic front and led many diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the global disputes in the modern history of the international relations.
Dr Hasan Alhasan Senior Fellow for Middle East Policy, IISS-Middle East, during a question answer session, told the audience following the launch of the IISS Military Balance 2025 held at the IISS Regional HQs in Manama.
The QA followed by the presentation and an overview presented by Sascha Bruchmann Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, IISS-Middle East, while other speakers were Huw Williams Senior Fellow and Editor, The Military Balance, IISS, and Albert Vidal Senior Fellow for Military Capability and Data Assessment.
In its 66th edition, The Military Balance examined evolving security challenges in the Middle East, where shifting alliances, regional conflicts, and external interventions are shaping military strategies and spending priorities.
“Regional military spending continues to rise, with Gulf states investing heavily in advanced capabilities. Iran expands its drone and missile production and continues to supply Russia,” Sascha Bruchmann, told the audience.
However, he added, its regional influence impacted by Israel Defense Forces operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, and the collapse of the Assad regime. Israel maintains a technological edge, but its operations against Hamas and Hezbollah stretched its forces. Competition for influence in the Red Sea and broader Gulf region intensifies, with external actors playing a growing role Iran’s waning military influence the Israel Defense Forces significantly degraded the capabilities of Iran’s proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, while large-scale attacks against Israel in April and October failed to significantly damage military or civilian infrastructure. Iran’s greater vulnerability raises questions about Tehran’s response, including the possibility that it might further accelerate its enrichment of uranium for the purpose of achieving weapons grade material. Gulf States’ defence investments Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain among the region’s highest military spenders, investing in advanced air defence systems, next-generation fighter jets, and naval capabilities. Their efforts to diversify defence procurement and enhance domestic production are also accelerating. Israel’s strategic position Israel retains a technological edge in military capabilities, with a focus on missile defence, cyber warfare, and intelligence operations.”
However, he said, the international support required to defend against Iran’s large-scale missile and drone attacks and its forces that stretched in its operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, with reserve brigades mobilized throughout the year. Red Sea security and regional power plays maritime security remains a critical concern, with the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden emerging as contested spaces. Attacks on shipping, the presence of regional and international navies, and geopolitical competition among Gulf states, Iran, and external actors like China and the U.S. highlight the increasing complexity of security in these waters. Military spending in the region defence budgets across the Middle East continue to rise, driven by both external threats and internal security concerns. While Gulf states invest in high-end capabilities, Iran’s focus on asymmetric warfare and indigenous production reflects its different strategic priorities.”
