US Senator Rubio addresses concerns of Gulf allies over Iran deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Gulf Region to Address Security Concerns

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has begun a two-day visit to the Gulf region, meeting with senior officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries to address security concerns related to a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran.

On Wednesday, Rubio held a working lunch with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is also scheduled to visit Kuwait later in the day. The meeting aimed to discuss the MOU’s provisions, including efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of peace and stability in the region.

Rubio expressed his desire to hear from his partners and understand their security concerns, as well as regional economic concerns. He praised the UAE for its leadership and support during the conflict with Iran and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Emirates.

The MOU was signed last week by the US and Iran, marking a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for talks on a permanent end to the war that began on February 28. The agreement includes measures such as the resumption of traffic through the maritime trade chokepoint and the removal of a US blockade on Iranian ports.

The US-Iran accord also includes provisions related to sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets, but does not address concerns over Iran’s ballistic missiles or its relations with regional allies. Rubio is expected to discuss these issues during his visit to the Gulf region.

Source: Al Jazeera