US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the longstanding strategic relationship between Bahrain and the US, highlighting the positive meeting he held with His Majesty King Hamad.
At a Press conference at the end of his visit to Bahrain, Mr Rubio said Washington remained fully committed to ensuring that negotiations conducted under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran do not undermine the interests, sovereignty, security or stability of GCC member states.
He said the primary objective of his Gulf tour was to ensure regional partners were fully informed and aligned on the MoU and ongoing talks with Iran, while reaffirming US commitment to maintaining direct communication with Gulf countries on all related developments.
Mr Rubio described his meeting with GCC foreign ministers in Manama as “highly productive”, highlighting mutual support and noting that the US wants Gulf perspectives reflected throughout the process. He said Washington intends to keep partners directly informed as negotiations progress.
On maritime security and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said GCC countries had expressed a unified position rejecting any tolls or fees on the use of international waters. He added that imposing charges on vessels transiting international waterways would be unacceptable and unworkable, stressing that the US would neither support nor permit such measures.
He said Washington would judge the situation based on actions rather than statements, noting that the continued normal flow of shipping through the Strait would remain a key benchmark.
Mr Rubio reaffirmed that the US is committed to giving diplomacy with Iran every opportunity to succeed, while ensuring no arrangements are reached without informing regional partners or in a way that compromises their interests or security.
He explained that the MoU with Iran does not constitute a final agreement, but rather establishes a general framework for negotiations and outlines the next phase of the process. He added that the MOU is not intended to be a comprehensive document covering every issue, but instead provides a basis for negotiating specific matters, including parameters, limitations, timelines and verification mechanisms.
Secretary Rubio also said the current sanctions relief consists only of a short-term 60-day waiver intended to provide an opportunity for negotiations to determine whether progress can be achieved. He said the US remains prepared to reach what he described as “a good deal and a real deal” if Iran is willing to do so.
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