US reassures Gulf allies on security, Iran deal during Rubio's regional tour

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a regional tour to reassure Gulf allies of America's security commitments, following the recent US-Iran deal. His visit to the UAE and Kuwait marked the first by a senior U.S. official to the Middle East since the agreement was signed.

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They discussed President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region.

Rubio's primary objective was to address lingering concerns among U.S. allies regarding the memorandum of understanding with Tehran. These allies have long worried about Iran's missile program, an issue not fully covered by the deal. The secretary of state engaged in closed-door discussions with leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to explain Washington's position.

During his visit, Rubio also firmly stated that no nation would be permitted to charge tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the waterway is international and subject to existing international law, pushing back against recent suggestions by Oman and Iran to levy fees on ships transiting the crucial oil and gas route.

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It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That’s existing international law.

The U.S. diplomat's mission is considered delicate, as he must defend the Trump administration's accord while acknowledging and attempting to alleviate the disquiet of key regional partners. His remarks are expected to be closely watched for how he frames the deal, particularly given past criticisms of Iran from within the U.S. Congress.

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That most certainly will come up in these discussions.