Rubio Warns Iran Deal Must Protect Gulf Security
Rubio warns that any Iran agreement must protect Gulf allies as negotiations continue over security and energy concerns.
Marco Rubio says any agreement with Iran must safeguard Gulf allies and regional stability.
US diplomat Marco Rubio has warned that a possible agreement with Iran will not be reached at any cost, as he sought to reassure Gulf partners that their security concerns will remain a priority.
Rubio made the comments during a visit to Bahrain as part of a wider regional tour involving Gulf allies affected by tensions with Iran. The visit follows a conflict that began on February 28 after a major US-Israeli campaign of strikes against the Islamic Republic.
The Iran nuclear deal talks are expected to address major issues including Tehran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the movement of global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. However, it remains uncertain whether discussions will include concerns raised by Gulf countries and Israel over Iran’s regional proxies and missile capabilities.
“While we want a deal, we don’t want a deal at any price,” Rubio told a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain.
“We want to ensure… that there is no part of this deal that’s undertaken that in any way undermines the security, the stability, or the prosperity of any of our partners in the Gulf region.”
Rubio also addressed concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports. He said Washington believes the waterway should remain open and free from charges, describing international waterways as a shared global responsibility.
Iran introduced a blockade during the conflict and later announced plans for maritime service fees. The US and its allies rejected the idea, maintaining that the strait should remain an international passage.
The negotiations continue as Iran insists on maintaining control over Hormuz, while Gulf nations push for unrestricted navigation. Technical talks between the US and Iran are expected to resume soon, with further discussions involving regional countries.
The outcome of the Iran nuclear deal talks could have major consequences for security, energy markets and diplomatic relations across the Middle East.
Do you think a new agreement between the US and Iran can create lasting stability in the region?
