The U.S. Secretary of State’s Gulf Tour: Timing and Implications
At the conclusion of his Gulf tour, which included the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom—may God protect and preserve him—received U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the meeting, they “the importance of adhering to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran was emphasized, as well as the wise approach it embodies, which prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy as a means of addressing regional issues and international peace and security.” In the same context, Rubio held a meeting with his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in Manama on June 25, 2026.
This tour is significant in terms of both timing and substance, as it came after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, under which the two sides will negotiate all outstanding issues within sixty days, as well as the fact that Rubio’s Gulf tour took place just before the resumption of talks with Iran in the second round in Switzerland on June 29 and 30, 2026. Consequently, this visit is seen as a message of reassurance from the United States to its GCC partners regarding the course and substance of the negotiations, which will not undermine Gulf interests.
On the other hand, while it is important to confront all Iranian threats, the GCC states’ current priority is to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open without hindrance, especially as Iran continues to threaten to close the strait and links the guarantee of maritime security to broader regional issues, as well as its objection to the Sultanate of Oman’s announcement of a temporary maritime corridor for all ships transiting the strait, in coordination with the International Maritime Organization.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously stated that U.S. forces would remain in the Arabian Gulf region until a final agreement was reached and the terms of the memorandum of understanding were guaranteed to be implemented, which is considered an important indication of the United States’ commitment to ending all Iranian threats to the Arab Gulf states and the region.
In terms of substance, Rubio emphasized five key points. First: Although the United States is committed to the success of the negotiation process, any agreement must “take the interests of allies into account.” Second: He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is a waterway not subject to the sovereignty of any single state, and that the idea of imposing tolls for its passage is unacceptable. Third: He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the security of the Arab Gulf states, stressing that “security guarantees are real, not just promises,” and that “our alliance has been put to the test and has succeeded during recent developments.” Fourth: Affirming that Iran will not possess a nuclear weapon. Fifth: Affirming Iran’s agreement to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access, and that this must happen soon.
While Rubio’s statements—which reaffirmed the foundations and substance of the U.S.-Gulf partnership—are significant, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in turn articulated Gulf interests by emphasizing four points. First: The security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is indivisible. Second: The need to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Third: Ensuring freedom of navigation in the region in a new phase based on respect for sovereignty. Fourth: Stopping Iran’s missile attacks and ending its support for militias in the region.
There is no doubt that this U.S.-Gulf meeting—which Rubio described as “fruitful”—marks the beginning of a new phase in Gulf-U.S. relations, particularly in light of three factors. First: Although the memorandum of understanding includes mutual commitments, it does not mean the resolution of all outstanding issues, which Iran must adhere to within the 60-day period; this implies that regional developments will continue, albeit along a different trajectory. Second: Rubio’s pledge to brief the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states on the results of the talks with Iran reflects the U.S. conviction that there can be no regional security without taking Gulf interests into account, as evidenced by his statement that “Washington will involve its Gulf allies in discussions regarding every decision made in connection with these negotiations.” Third: Sending a message to Iran that U.S. and Gulf interests align on the need to end all regional threats and not to reduce the issue to the nuclear or missile dimensions, as it is imperative to confront all threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and to cease support for all militias, thereby reaffirming the close link between regional and global security.
This visit also took on significance in light of Iran’s attempts to evade its obligations under the memorandum of understanding, as it speaks of imposing a “service fee” for transit through the Strait of Hormuz instead of tolls, in addition to talking about “building regional security among the countries of the region”; All of these are Iranian attempts to circumvent its commitments. However, the alignment of Gulf statements with those of the United States, and the insistence of both sides on ending all Iranian threats, confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that the only path forward for Iran is the full and unconditional implementation of all its commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding, as the Gulf-U.S. partnership will remain a bulwark against any Iranian attempts to shirk its obligations.
Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.
Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Keshk, Director of International and Strategic Studies Program
