Marco Rubio Tours Gulf to Defend US-Iran Peace Deal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a diplomatic tour of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23 to 25, 2026, to secure support for a preliminary 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran. Signed by President Donald Trump, the agreement aims to end a four-month war that began on February 28, 2026. The deal includes a 60-day negotiation window to address nuclear programs and sanctions, a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, and a commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

During the tour, Rubio met with leaders including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, culminating in a ministerial meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain. Gulf allies expressed deep skepticism, citing the deal's failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. Rubio countered these concerns by asserting that the U.S. would not accept a deal that undermines Gulf security and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz must remain a toll-free international waterway, rejecting Iranian proposals to charge maritime service fees.

Simultaneous negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance in Switzerland resulted in an agreement to readmit International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. However, contradictions emerged as Iranian officials denied new commitments on inspections. While the U.S. Treasury issued a 60-day waiver on oil sanctions, Iranian leaders, including Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, characterized the interim deal as a victory for Iranian resistance and a declaration of American defeat.