Rubio tries to reassure Gulf allies on US-Iran deal details | US-Israel war on Iran News
Rubio Tours Gulf to Address Security Concerns Amid US-Iran Agreement
Published June 24, 2026
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in the Gulf region for a second day of discussions aimed at assuaging allies’ security concerns regarding a recent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.
On Wednesday, Rubio met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with senior officials including National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. The discussions centered on how the newly inked deal, intended to bring an end to ongoing hostilities with Iran, takes into account the security needs of regional partners.
Rubio is scheduled to visit Kuwait and Bahrain in the following days. Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, he emphasized the importance of collaborative dialogue. “We want to hear from our partners,” Rubio stated. “It’s crucial that their views are taken into account, especially regarding their security and regional economic concerns.”
His remarks followed last week’s signing of a memorandum between the U.S. and Iran that aims to extend a tentative ceasefire and work toward a lasting resolution to the conflict that has persisted for over 100 days. Ongoing negotiations are expected to last for 60 days to address key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
The war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28 that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has led to a series of retaliatory attacks by Iran. The UAE alone faced approximately 2,800 missile and drone strikes, while Kuwait’s critical infrastructure was also targeted. Notably, Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City sustained “significant damage” from missile attacks.
Iran has additionally threatened vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for Gulf nations to export oil and gas. This has sparked concerns over economic losses resulting from Iran’s blockade of the waterway.
The U.S.-Iran agreement includes provisions to resume maritime traffic and lift certain sanctions imposed on Iran, along with unfreezing Iranian assets. The fate of Iran’s proposed fees for vessels passing through the Strait remains uncertain, despite assertions from former President Donald Trump that such tolls should not be applied.
However, the accord does not address Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities or its relationships with regional allies, which continue to be significant concerns for Gulf nations, given the increased vulnerability of their cities and energy infrastructures during the ongoing conflict.
