The Washington Institute Congratulates General Michael Kurilla (Ret.) on Being Awarded Saudi Arabia’s Order of King Abdul Aziz Medal (Excellent Class)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Institute for Near East Policy congratulates General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Bernstein Distinguished Fellow, on being awarded the Order of King Abdul Aziz (Excellent Class) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

On Thursday, Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman presented the award to General Kurilla at the directive of Saudi King Salman. The Order of King Abdul Aziz (Excellent Class) is one of the kingdom's highest national honors and is bestowed on foreign leaders, senior officials, and distinguished individuals in recognition of contributions that strengthen strategic ties with Saudi Arabia.

"This prestigious medal underscores General Kurilla's legacy of strengthening regional security and U.S.-Middle East defense cooperation during his years at the helm of U.S. Central Command," said Segal Executive Director Robert Satloff. "We are grateful for his decades of exemplary public service and proud to count him as a colleague."

General Kurilla joined The Washington Institute in November 2025 as a Bernstein Distinguished Fellow following his tenure as the four-star commander of CENTCOM, where he helped to advance U.S. military partnerships across the Middle East and oversaw the defense of Israel from Iranian barrages in April 2024 and October 2024, the counter-Houthi campaign, and the execution of Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025.

The Order of King Abdul Aziz (Excellent Class) has been conferred on a small group of global leaders and senior officials.