U.S. Reaffirms Military Support for Tunisia Amid Regional Instability, Focus on Border Security
Analysis: A high-level phone call underscores enduring strategic partnership as Tunisia positions itself as a regional security hub.
In a significant reaffirmation of a decades-long alliance, a senior U.S. defense official has pledged continued American military support for Tunisia during a call with the North African nation’s defense minister. The discussion, held on December 12, 2025, highlights Washington’s strategic interest in stabilizing a key partner facing complex security challenges on Europe’s southern flank.
Beyond the Phone Call: A Partnership in Context
The conversation between Tunisian Defense Minister Khaled Shtili and U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Security and International Affairs Daniel Zimmerman was more than diplomatic routine. It served as a public recommitment to a military cooperation framework that has become increasingly vital. The ministers discussed the upcoming session of the Tunisian-American Joint Military Committee, scheduled for May in the United States, which will chart the next phase of this strategic relationship.
Minister Shtili emphasized the partnership’s focus on “non-traditional threats,” a clear reference to the pressing issues of cross-border organized crime, irregular migration, and human trafficking that plague Tunisia’s long borders with Libya and Algeria. This aligns with a core U.S. security interest: preventing the southern Mediterranean from becoming a lawless corridor that fuels instability and migration crises affecting Europe.
Tunisia’s Ambition: From Recipient to Regional Hub
A notable shift in Tunisia’s posture was evident in the minister’s remarks. Beyond seeking support, Shtili positioned Tunisia as a “regional and African hub for training.” He cited the graduation of over 400 military personnel from other African countries at Tunisian institutions this year as evidence of this growing role.
This represents a strategic evolution. Tunisia is not merely a beneficiary of security aid but is actively leveraging its experience and U.S.-backed capabilities to exert influence and build networks across Africa. For Washington, a capable and proactive Tunisian military that can train neighbors is a force multiplier, potentially reducing the need for direct U.S. intervention in regional crises.
The American Commitment: Equipment and Strategic Patience
Assistant Secretary Zimmerman’s commitment to “providing the necessary equipment” is a tangible pillar of U.S. support. This likely encompasses surveillance technology, communications gear, and mobility assets crucial for monitoring vast desert borders. The support falls under a pre-established roadmap for military cooperation spanning 2020-2030, suggesting a long-term, institutionalized relationship rather than ad-hoc assistance.
This enduring partnership exists despite periodic tensions between Washington and Tunis over the latter’s democratic backsliding in recent years. The continued military dialogue indicates that regional security imperatives often transcend political disagreements in U.S. foreign policy calculus. The U.S. appears to view a stable, capable Tunisian military as a critical component for broader Mediterranean and African security, regardless of the political climate in Tunis.
The “So What”: Implications for Regional Security
The reaffirmation of this alliance has clear regional implications. First, it signals to other actors, including Russia’s Wagner Group and other mercenary forces active in Libya, that Tunisia remains firmly within the U.S. security umbrella. Second, it provides Tunisia with crucial leverage and support as it navigates economic pressures that could otherwise destabilize its security apparatus.
Finally, the focus on border security and capacity-building directly addresses the concerns of European Union nations, particularly Italy and Malta, who are primary destinations for migration routes through Tunisia. A stronger Tunisian border force, supported by U.S. expertise and equipment, serves as an indirect but important component of European border defense.
In summary, the high-level call was a diplomatic event with substantive strategic weight. It reinforced a key U.S. partnership, endorsed Tunisia’s ambition as a security leader, and underscored a shared focus on the diffuse, non-state threats that define modern security challenges in North Africa.
Primary Source Attribution: This report is based on information originally published by Tunisien.tn in an article titled “U.S. Assistant Secretary of War Affirms American Administration’s Commitment to Continuing Support for Tunisian Army,” dated December 13, 2025. The original reporting can be accessed here.