US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, launching a regional tour aimed at reassuring Gulf allies about a proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran intended to end recent hostilities in the region.
Rubio’s visit comes after high-level talks between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland, where negotiators reached a preliminary understanding that seeks to halt military tensions, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way for further discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme over the coming weeks.
The UAE is the first stop on Rubio’s trip, which will also include Kuwait and Bahrain. The three Gulf states were among those affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks during the recent escalation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Speaking upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi, Rubio said he would use the visit to explain the potential benefits of the agreement and address concerns among regional partners about its implementation.
The proposed framework includes discussions on sanctions relief and future economic cooperation with Iran. However, Gulf officials and other observers have expressed reservations over issues they believe remain unresolved, including Iran’s missile programme and its support for armed groups across the region.
Rubio argued that the understanding reached between Washington and Tehran calls for an end to regional hostilities and would require Iran to halt activities that contribute to instability.
The future of the Strait of Hormuz is also expected to feature prominently in discussions. The strategic waterway, a vital route for global energy exports and international trade, has remained a key concern for Gulf states seeking guarantees for uninterrupted maritime navigation.
Rubio reiterated the US position that the Strait should remain open to international shipping without additional transit charges, describing it as an international waterway governed by established maritime law.
The visit reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure regional support for the proposed agreement as negotiations between the United States and Iran continue.
