Rubio Reassures Gulf Allies on Security Amid U.S.-Iran Deal Concerns

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with leaders in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, vowing that the United States will not compromise the security of its allies. His visit aims to reassure Gulf partners who harbor reservations about a recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.

The agreement, the first jointly signed by U.S. and Iranian presidents since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, establishes a $300 billion fund and grants waivers on certain sanctions. Rubio, during his three-day tour of the Persian Gulf, stated in Kuwait, "We will not do anything that harms our allies, especially our long-standing allies in the region."

Rubio held working lunches in Abu Dhabi with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other high-ranking officials. He also visited Kuwait and is scheduled to travel to Bahrain. These nations host significant U.S. military bases and have faced substantial Iranian missile and drone attacks during the recent conflict, resulting in civilian casualties.

U.S. allies in the Middle East are particularly concerned that Iran might use the proposed $300 billion fund to rebuild its military. Furthermore, the agreement does not address Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, a major point of anxiety for Gulf nations that have been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. The U.S. State Department confirmed that discussions also covered the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of maintaining regional peace, with Rubio reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the UAE's security.

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We will not do anything that harms our allies, especially our long-standing allies in the region.