US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Gulf allies on Wednesday that Washington's landmark agreement with Iran would not come at the expense of their security, as he met leaders in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait during a regional tour aimed at easing concerns over the deal.
"We're not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region," Rubio told reporters in Kuwait, his second stop after the UAE on a three-day Gulf visit.
The trip marks Rubio's first high-level diplomatic mission since the United States and Iran signed a historic accord last week to end the four-month conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The agreement includes a proposed $300 billion development fund and the easing of some sanctions on Tehran.
The deal has generated some unease among some Gulf states, according to analysts.
In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Rubio and held talks focused on strategic cooperation between the two countries, as well as regional developments following the conflict.
The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral coordination across a range of sectors and discussed efforts to promote security, stability and lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting was attended by senior UAE leaders, including Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Rubio later travelled to Kuwait, where he met Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah for discussions on regional security and stability. He also attended a flag-raising ceremony at the US Embassy, which recently resumed operations after Iran-linked drone attacks forced a temporary suspension during the conflict.
The Gulf tour comes amid a broader diplomatic push across the region as countries seek to consolidate the fragile peace that followed the war. Separate talks are under way among Gulf states on the future management and security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Muscat on Wednesday for discussions with Omani officials on launching negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states regarding the strategic waterway, according to diplomatic sources. The talks are separate from the US-Iran peace process.
Commercial shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict, helping ease concerns in global energy markets and contributing to lower oil prices. However, long-term arrangements governing navigation and security in the waterway remain under discussion among regional states.
Diplomatic sources also said preparations are under way for a broader regional reconciliation conference in Saudi Arabia that could bring together Iran, Gulf Arab states and other regional powers in an effort to reduce tensions and establish a more durable security framework.
Rubio is expected to conclude his Gulf tour in Bahrain, another key US security partner that hosts a major American naval presence.
