ع
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed Washington’s commitment to protecting its Gulf allies’ interests in all negotiations with Iran during a joint ministerial meeting in Manama on June 25, 2026, according to Qatar News Agency. Rubio described the US-GCC relationship as resilient after passing a test in recent regional events while noting decades of collaboration on security and economic issues.
Rubio stated, “The US-Gulf relationship has proven its strength and resilience throughout the various challenges and crises the region has witnessed.” He pointed to shared goals of promoting security, stability and prosperity for the region, the United States and the international community as a whole. A CSIS assessment found that the United States delivered $123 billion worth of military technology and services to GCC states between 2000 and 2016, building on earlier commitments established at the 2015 Camp David summit detailed in a subsequent White House fact sheet.
The secretary outlined a US vision for transforming the Middle East into a center of economic prosperity and sustainable development where governments focus on improving living standards. He indicated the current phase presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue coordinated with GCC countries to address outstanding issues. Rubio expressed hope that diplomatic efforts with Iran would yield genuine, effective, verifiable and implementable agreements contributing to reduced tensions.
Rubio stressed that international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz remain the common property of the international community and are not subject to control by any single state. “The United States rejects the principle of imposing fees or conditions on the use of international waterways, and this will not be acceptable in any future arrangements or understandings,” he stated according to the Qatar News Agency report. A Middle East Institute publication noted that roughly 10 percent of global trade passes through adjacent routes including the Bab el-Mandeb and Suez Canal, making freedom of navigation a core stability concern.
On the Iranian nuclear program, Rubio reiterated opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and insisted any agreement must feature clear guarantees along with effective monitoring and verification mechanisms. He affirmed that allies’ interests and security would remain a fundamental element in every decision and negotiation. Rubio added that the US-GCC partnership also covers economy, investment, development, technology and energy fields, with the United States committed to continued strengthening of these areas in coordination with its partners.
