Rubio Assures Gulf Allies that US-Iran Peace Framework Will Safeguard Regional Security

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic tour marks the first high-level engagement following the recent US-Iran framework agreement.

The United States’ top diplomat has assured Gulf allies that any comprehensive agreement to end the conflict with Iran will fully integrate and protect their national security interests.

During a meeting with Gulf Arab foreign ministers and officials in Bahrain on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Washington is pursuing a sustainable peace with Iran that will not jeopardize the security or economic stability of its regional partners.

Rubio’s three-day diplomatic tour is the first high-level mission since the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This framework extends the current ceasefire and establishes a path toward a permanent end to a conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The Secretary of State acknowledged the sensitivity of these negotiations, noting the concerns of Gulf leaders who fear that granting too many concessions could empower Tehran and disrupt the regional balance of power and energy logistics.

While in Manama, Rubio stressed that the US is committed to ensuring that any final agreement with Iran reflects the “interest of allies,” stating, “We are open to a peace that is enduring and real, and one that does not undermine the security and prosperity of the US or its allies.”

During previous visits to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, Rubio worked to convince officials that the proposed framework is not disproportionately favorable to Iran, which had launched attacks on several Gulf states during the hostilities.

“We will not take any action that undermines the security of our longstanding allies in the region,” Rubio told reporters in Kuwait.

Concerns persist as the current draft agreement lacks restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program, suggests a $300 billion reconstruction fund, and contains provisions that could potentially expand Tehran’s regional influence and its control over vital oil shipping lanes.

Furthermore, Rubio clarified that he would not request financial contributions from regional allies for the reconstruction fund, despite the MoU’s suggestion that regional nations might share some of the financial burden.

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