Rubio Concludes Gulf Tour as Allies Express Concerns Over Iran Agreement

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026. Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Gulf allies on June 25 that their security concerns would be considered in any agreement with Iran, concluding a Middle East trip focused on easing regional skepticism about the proposed peace framework. Speaking at a gathering of Gulf foreign ministers in Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based, Rubio emphasized that Washington seeks a lasting peace with Iran without compromising the safety of its long-standing partners in the Gulf. Several Gulf nations remain concerned that the current proposal is too lenient toward Tehran, particularly after experiencing Iranian attacks during the recent conflict.