US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a three-day visit to the Gulf region on 25 June 2026, having held talks in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The trip covered a range of regional priorities, including the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region.
The visit was the first high-level US diplomatic mission to the region since Washington and Tehran agreed on an MoU to extend their ceasefire and hold talks on a permanent end to the conflict.
UAE
Secretary Rubio arrived in Abu Dhabi on 23 June and held meetings the following day with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and senior UAE leadership. According to State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, they discussed President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region. They also discussed the strong bilateral US-UAE ties and the continued partnership in the areas of defence and commerce. The secretary thanked the UAE for their leadership and unparallelled support, praised their courage and resilience, and reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Emirates.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi, Rubio told reporters: “We want to hear from our partners. We want to make sure that their views are taken into account, and we understand their security concerns, their regional economic concerns as well.”
Kuwait
In Kuwait City, Rubio attended a flag-raising ceremony at the US Embassy, marking the resumption of operations. He posted on X afterwards: “Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability,” adding that Washington “looks forward to strengthening our partnership”. He also met with Kuwaiti Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Bahrain
In Bahrain, Rubio met with the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss shared priorities across the region. Speaking after the GCC-US joint ministerial gathering in Manama, Rubio sought to calm anxieties over the emerging US-Iran framework, insisting that regional partners would be kept informed “every step of the way” as negotiations move forward.
The MoU requires Iran to make its best efforts to ensure toll-free passage through the strait for only 60 days, pending a final agreement. Since the MoU was signed, Iranian officials have repeatedly indicated they intend to charge service fees for vessels transiting the strait.
Rubio confirmed the US remained open to a diplomatic path. “We are open for peace that is enduring and real and doesn’t undermine security and prosperity for the US or its allies,” he said.
He also met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to discuss the interim deal between the U.S. and Iran with Arab Gulf allies at Al-Sakhir Palace.
