Rubio heads to UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain to discuss Iran deal with Gulf allies

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on a trip to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, aiming to persuade Gulf Arab allies to accept a preliminary Iran accord. The visit, scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday, presents the Trump administration an opportunity to directly engage with key regional partners on the terms of the agreement.

While in Bahrain, Rubio will also convene with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an alliance of six Sunni monarchies. Although GCC leaders have generally supported efforts to de-escalate tensions with Iran, many express significant unease regarding specific provisions of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by President Donald Trump last week. A primary concern for regional officials is the potential for a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Tehran. Gulf leaders suspect Iran will utilize these funds to enhance its military capabilities and support regional proxy groups.

Furthermore, the MoU's omission of Iran's ballistic missile program is a point of worry for Washington's Gulf allies. These nations have recently been subjected to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are crucial hosts for US military bases, forming the core of America's security infrastructure in the Middle East. Any shift in their security relationship with the US, however subtle, could significantly impact American military strategy in the region.

The Rubio trip is part of a wider diplomatic push concerning Iran. President Trump signed the Iran MoU on Wednesday, initiating a 60-day period for Washington and Tehran to finalize a more comprehensive agreement. Over the weekend, a US negotiation team, led by Vice President JD Vance, participated in talks mediated by Qatari and Pakistani officials in Switzerland. The initial round of these discussions concluded on Monday, with technical talks expected to continue throughout the week.

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While in Bahrain, Rubio will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, a grouping of six Sunni monarchies that also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on Monday.