Rubio to Press Case for Iran Deal During Strategic Gulf Visit

US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio will visit the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain from Tuesday to Thursday on a diplomatic mission aimed at defending the preliminary agreement with Iran before key regional partners. In Bahrain, Rubio will also meet representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Although the Arab monarchies support efforts to end the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, the specific terms of the memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump in Versailles have raised serious concerns.

Regional leaders are particularly critical of the proposed $300 bn reconstruction plan for Tehran, arguing that the Islamic Republic could misuse the funds to rebuild its military capabilities and finance militant proxy groups. The memorandum also does not address Iran's ballistic missile programme, which Gulf states view as a direct security threat. Several countries in the region have recently faced drone and missile attacks.

The visit is strategically important for Washington because the Gulf states host US military bases that form a cornerstone of America's security architecture in the Middle East. Any reassessment of relations by these allies could have significant implications for US military strategy in the region.

According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio will also discuss regional stability and measures to ensure safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Reuters, Max)