U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to reassure Gulf Arab allies that any future agreement between Washington and Tehran will not come at the expense of regional security, as concerns continue to mount over the Trump administration’s emerging Iran policy.

Rubio delivered the message during a visit to Bahrain on Thursday, the final stop of a three-country Gulf tour aimed at building support for ongoing negotiations with Iran.

U.S. Seeks Regional Backing

The visit comes at a critical moment for U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East. Gulf states remain wary of the recently announced U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which seeks to reduce tensions following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

While Washington views the agreement as a pathway toward stability, several Gulf governments fear it could empower Tehran economically and politically without adequately addressing long-standing security concerns.

Speaking during meetings with Bahraini officials and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Rubio emphasized that the United States remains committed to the defense of its regional partners.

“We will not do anything that undermines the security of our Gulf allies,” Rubio said, seeking to calm fears surrounding the negotiations.

Concerns Over Iran’s Missile Program

One of the major concerns raised by Gulf nations is the reported absence of restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program in the proposed framework.

The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, has repeatedly expressed concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for armed groups across the region.

Analysts say Gulf leaders want assurances that any agreement will address not only Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also its broader military capabilities.

Debate Over Economic Relief for Tehran

Another contentious issue is a proposed reconstruction and economic assistance package that could provide Iran with significant financial relief following years of sanctions and recent conflict.

Critics argue that a package reportedly worth hundreds of billions of dollars could strengthen Tehran’s regional influence and provide resources that may be used to expand its strategic footprint in the Middle East.

Supporters of the deal, however, argue that economic incentives are necessary to secure Iranian cooperation and reduce the likelihood of future military confrontations.

Gulf States Demand Security Guarantees

Rubio’s diplomatic mission reflects growing concerns among Gulf nations about the long-term implications of a U.S.-Iran rapprochement.

Several Gulf countries were directly affected by regional hostilities earlier this year, including missile and drone attacks linked to the broader Iran-Israel conflict.

As a result, Gulf leaders are seeking concrete security guarantees from Washington before offering full support for any agreement.

Regional officials have also emphasized the importance of protecting energy infrastructure and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Next Round of Negotiations

U.S. officials have indicated that further talks with Iranian representatives are expected in the coming weeks as negotiators attempt to finalize key elements of the agreement.

Despite Rubio’s assurances, significant questions remain regarding sanctions relief, nuclear inspections, missile restrictions and the future balance of power in the Gulf region.

Diplomats and analysts say securing the confidence of America’s Gulf partners will be essential if Washington hopes to build lasting regional support for any final accord with Tehran.

A Critical Test for U.S. Middle East Strategy

For the Trump administration, securing Gulf backing is viewed as a crucial component of its broader Middle East strategy aimed at reducing tensions while preventing future conflict.

Whether Rubio’s outreach succeeds may ultimately depend on Washington’s ability to address concerns surrounding Iran’s military capabilities, regional influence and the long-term security architecture of the Gulf.

As negotiations continue, Gulf leaders are expected to closely scrutinize every aspect of the proposed agreement before deciding whether to publicly endorse the initiative.

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