Rosen, Ernst, Lankford, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Develop Middle East Air and Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy to Deter and Defend Against Iranian Attacks

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and James Lankford (R-OK) - co-chairs of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus - introduced a bill to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an air and missile defense acquisition strategy with partners and allies in the Middle East, including Israel and Abraham Accords partners. The bipartisan Optimizing Acquisition Strategies for Integrated Security (OASIS) in the Middle East Act would ensure that the U.S. and our allies and partners in the region have the resources needed to defend against Iranian missile, drone, and rocket attacks.

"For years, and particularly since Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Iran and its proxies have used their missile, drone, and rocket arsenals to attack U.S. servicemembers, our partners and allies in the region, and civilian infrastructure. Iran's reckless and destabilizing behavior underscores why we must work together to ensure we have sufficient air and missile defense resources to respond to Iranian aggression and keep our allies, like Israel, safe," said Senator Rosen. "Our bipartisan bill will provide a clear framework to support DOD's efforts to develop an integrated air and missile defense acquisition strategy for the region. I will continue working across the aisle as we create a path towards security and prosperity in the Middle East."

"Since the horrific October 7th attacks, Iran and its terrorist proxies have continued to target and threaten our servicemembers, partners, and allies across the Middle East. The OASIS in the Middle East Act will help ensure the United States and our partners can replenish interceptor stockpiles and better defend against Iran-backed attacks," said Senator Ernst. "Building on the success of the Abraham Accords, and the bipartisan legislation we have already ushered into law to strengthen regional air and missile defense, this bill represents the next step in ensuring our allies have the tools they need to deter Iranian aggression, defend themselves, and move towards a more secure and peaceful Middle East."

"Iran has destabilized the Middle East through missiles, drones, and proxy forces, threatening Americans and our allies and undermining every effort toward peace in the region," said Senator Lankford. "That aggression cannot go unanswered. The OASIS in the Middle East Act makes sure the Department of War has a coordinated strategy so Israel and our partners have what they need before the next attack comes, not after. Standing with our allies is not optional; it is a core American commitment, and this bill ensures we back that commitment up with real resources and real strategy."

"Security and diplomacy go hand in hand, and as threats evolve, our defense cooperation must evolve as well," said Senator Booker. "The OASIS in the Middle East Act strengthens coordination between the United States and our regional allies and partners to defend against missile, drone, and rocket attacks, bolstering collective defense, deterring aggression, and protecting innocent lives across the region. Building on the spirit of cooperation established by the Abraham Accords, this bipartisan legislation advances a safer, more secure future for all."

As the founding members and co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, Senators Rosen, Ernst, Booker, and Lankford have led efforts to deepen security cooperation between the U.S. and our partners and allies in the Middle East to defend against Iran's aggression. Their bipartisan MARITIME Act to require the Department of Defense to work with partners in the Middle East to counter maritime threats posed by Iran and other violent organizations was signed into law. Their bipartisan DEFEND Act was signed into law to establish an air and missile defense architecture with Israel and other Middle East allies.

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