ALBAWABA- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured Gulf allies that Washington will not compromise their security in its ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran, warning that Tehran must fully comply with its commitments or face consequences from the Trump administration.
Speaking at a press conference following meetings in the Gulf, Rubio described his discussions with regional leaders as “frank and honest” and reiterated the United States' commitment to protecting its Gulf partners while advancing efforts to implement a recent memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran. Rubio warned that all options remain available to President Donald Trump should Iran fail to honor its obligations.
The remarks came during Rubio's three-day tour of the Gulf, which began in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. During his visit to Abu Dhabi, he held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Rubio is also scheduled to visit Kuwait and Bahrain, where he will meet senior officials and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The trip is aimed at addressing concerns among Gulf states that the recent US-Iran agreement may offer excessive concessions to Tehran. Several Gulf countries remain wary after being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones during recent regional hostilities.
Seeking to reassure allies, Rubio emphasized that Washington remains committed to preserving regional security and ensuring the full implementation of the agreement, including maintaining unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He stressed that Iran must adhere to commitments related to ending hostilities, curbing support for proxy groups, and safeguarding maritime transit through the strategic waterway.
Rubio also reiterated the US position that no country has the authority to impose tolls or restrictions on international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing Lebanon, he said US contacts with Iran are solely intended to pressure Hezbollah to comply with ceasefire agreements and do not grant Tehran any role in determining Lebanon's political future. He reaffirmed Washington's support for the Lebanese government under President Joseph Aoun as the country's sole legitimate authority.
Rubio's regional tour follows the first round of high-level US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, which produced a memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions, reopening maritime routes, advancing sanctions relief discussions, and establishing a sixty-day roadmap for addressing nuclear issues.
The diplomatic outreach reflects a broader effort by Washington to reassure Gulf allies and build support for the agreement while managing lingering concerns over Iran's regional influence.
