Rubio’s Gulf Tour to Secure GCC Backing for U.S.-Iran Accord

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bahrain on 25 June 2026, ending a three-day visit to the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. The tour was the first U.S. diplomatic engagement after United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that extends a cease-fire and opens a 60-day phase toward a permanent settlement.

Reuters

The MoU, signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian officials, proposes a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, omits limits on Iran’s ballistic-missile program, and references the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Cooperation Council members—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait—host U.S. bases and were struck by Iranian missiles and drones.

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The draft accord includes a $300 billion fund, no caps on ballistic missiles, and language that could expand Iranian influence over shipping lanes; war disrupted about one-fifth of oil and LNG flows.

Rubio on Gulf tour as allies sceptical about Iran deal seek answers

Rubio told GCC ministers the United States will respect allies’ interests, will not request regional contributions to the reconstruction fund, and stressed that “no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways.” A U.S.–GCC statement affirmed free, toll-free navigation through Hormuz and called for talks on Lebanon and Syria. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio would discuss the MoU, safe transit through Hormuz and stability.

Reuters

GCC officials expressed disappointment, fearing $300 billion fund could enable Iran to rebuild its military and that lack of missile limits leaves a security gap. Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy warned a funded Tehran might provoke unrest among its Shi’ite majority.

Reuters

President Trump said Iran had agreed to “nuclear inspections into infinity,” while Tehran denied any such concession. Descriptions were offered of financial incentives and of control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The New Arab

• “We're not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Reuters

• “We are open for peace that is enduring and real and doesn’t undermine security and prosperity for the US or its allies” — Marco Rubio, GCC meeting, Manama

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The reality of it is that no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways. And that will never be an acceptable condition of any deal. The president’s been fundamentally clear about that.” — Marco Rubio, Bahrain remarks

Dawn

• “I think you can just remind them that the president has conducted extremely hawkish policies toward Iran – and if this MoU falls through, he will have no compunction about going back to striking them,” — Andrew Peek, Atlantic Council

Rubio Faces Task of Easing Gulf Allies’ Fears Over U.S. Iran Deal

The 60-day phase will continue in Switzerland, with Vice President JD Vance leading talks. GCC members are expected to negotiate a safe-passage corridor for Hormuz and clarify financial responsibilities under the reconstruction fund.

Reuters