Six Gulf Arab nations wrapped up a summit meeting in Kuwait by agreeing to establish a joint military command, paving the way for tighter security coordination as their regional rival Iran pursues outreach efforts, the Associated Press reports.

The official Kuwait News Agency said Wednesday, Dec 11, that the military partnership was one of several initiatives agreed by the Gulf Cooperation Council member states. It gave no details on when the command would be formed, how it would be structured or the extent of its mandate.

Saudi Arabia and other Western-allied Gulf states are wary of Iran's influence in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif last week visited four of the six Gulf nations in an effort to improve ties.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.