Pakistan, July 2 -- The United States and 12 Middle Eastern countries agreed to strengthen joint efforts to keep trade flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement matters because the strategic waterway is critical for global energy supplies and international shipping. Regional governments, commercial shipping, and global markets could benefit from enhanced maritime security.

The understanding was reached during a regional security meeting in Bahrain led by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Senior military officials reviewed the Middle East's security environment and discussed expanding defence cooperation. They also pledged to improve coordination to safeguard maritime trade and regional stability.

Representatives from Bahrain, ...