Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022 or the DEFEND Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense to seek to cooperate with Middle East allies and partners (i.e., countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and other countries in the region as appropriate) to identify and develop an approach for such allies and partners to implement an integrated air and missile defense capability to protect against attacks from Iran and groups linked to Iran.
Editorial Explainer
The Department of Defense must work with Middle Eastern allies—including Israel, Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt—to develop a coordinated air and missile defense system against Iranian attacks and Iran-linked groups.
Why it matters
This formalizes U.S. military coordination with Israel and deepens integrated defense partnerships in the region, potentially expanding joint operational capabilities and cementing Israel's role in a U.S.-led regional security architecture.