U.S.-Iran Agreement: Rubio Assures Gulf Allies Their Security Will Be Protected
The U.S.-Iran Agreement dominated discussions in Manama on Thursday, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any future understanding with Tehran would not come at the expense of Gulf security during a meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers at the conclusion of his regional tour.
Speaking at the opening session, Rubio said the United States was entering a “new phase” that it hopes will lead to peace, stressing that the U.S.-Iran agreement would take into account the interests and security of Washington’s regional partners.
He said President Donald Trump’s administration would continue working with its allies to pursue constructive dialogue with Iran, while ensuring that any future arrangements would not undermine the security and prosperity of the Gulf states.
The Manama meetings come amid recent diplomatic and security developments across the region, alongside ongoing efforts to reinforce the ceasefire and reduce regional tensions. Reuters reported that Rubio’s Gulf tour is aimed at securing allied support for the preliminary agreement with Tehran.
The U.S.-Iran Agreement Takes Center Stage in Manama Talks
Bahrain’s foreign minister welcomed efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities and the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. He also welcomed Oman’s announcement of a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the Gulf Cooperation Council countries look forward to a new chapter based on respect for state sovereignty, the protection of maritime routes, and enhanced regional security and stability.
For his part, Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz is “a waterway that is not owned by any country, and no party has the right to impose transit fees on it,” adding that the United States considers freedom of navigation a fundamental component of regional and international security.
The U.S. secretary of state also stressed that Washington would ensure any agreements reached with Iran take into account the interests of its regional partners, adding that President Donald Trump remains committed to pursuing peace while safeguarding the security of the United States and the Gulf states.
These remarks come as U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region continue as part of broader initiatives to reduce tensions following recent military developments.
Gulf Concerns and Ongoing Consultations
According to Reuters, Rubio is using the Manama meetings to persuade Gulf Cooperation Council members of the value of the preliminary agreement with Iran, amid Gulf concerns that future arrangements could affect the regional security balance or maritime security.
The news agency also reported that some Gulf states continue to closely monitor the provisions of the preliminary agreement, particularly those related to Iran’s ballistic missile program, its regional influence, and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, making Manama a key stop on Rubio’s Gulf tour, which also included the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait before his arrival in Bahrain.
The meetings come as the United States continues consultations with its Gulf allies on the U.S.-Iran agreement and its security implications for the region.
