U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the United Arab Emirates Tuesday, beginning a three-nation tour of Gulf countries. The visit aims to alleviate concerns among regional allies regarding a recent agreement intended to end hostilities with Iran.
The tour, which will also include stops in Kuwait and Bahrain, follows diplomatic engagements in Switzerland between U.S. and Iranian representatives. Vice President JD Vance stated that the negotiations yielded a significant agreement to cease regional conflicts, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and provide sanctions relief, with further talks on Iran's nuclear program scheduled for the next 60 days.
Rubio is expected to meet with leaders in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, nations that have previously experienced missile and drone attacks from Iran in response to U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. Some of these leaders have recently adopted a more assertive stance on Iran than the current U.S. administration.
In initial remarks upon arrival, Rubio indicated he would outline the potential benefits of the agreement for the Gulf states, contingent on its implementation. He stressed that a proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran would not materialize unless the country's leadership shifts its focus from being a "revolutionary movement that exports terror" to functioning as a typical nation.
Regional officials have expressed apprehension that the agreement does not adequately address Iran's missile program, its backing of proxy groups, or its nuclear ambitions, pushing these issues to later negotiations. Rubio, however, argued that the memorandum of understanding signed necessitates a "complete end of hostilities and conflicts in the region." He asserted this would require Iran to cease funding groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
"You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflicts in a region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq, and are participating in terrorism, like Hamas did, and like Hezbollah did," Rubio stated. "So, I do think it’s covered by the MOU, and it is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations."
The United Arab Emirates, in particular, has been a vocal proponent of stringent actions, especially concerning the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the impact of the recent memorandum of understanding on the strait, a vital international waterway. The U.S. has maintained its position on ensuring unimpeded access, while Iran has proposed a system of service fees for passage, which many view as a de facto toll. Rubio affirmed that the U.S. would not accept any such charges.
"It’s an international waterway," he said. "No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is."
He added, "I don’t think we have anybody to convince around here in that regard. I think all the countries in this region would agree with us."