KUWAIT CITY — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a firm pledge Wednesday that Washington will take no action to compromise the safety of its Gulf region allies as it navigates its relationship with Iran.
Speaking to reporters in Kuwait City before heading to Bahrain, Rubio emphasized the purpose of his regional visit. “We’re going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf,” he said. “That’s why I’ve taken these trips now, and it’s the reason why I’m here.”
“We’re not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region,” Rubio added.
The nation’s top diplomat is currently visiting three Gulf countries in an effort to ease concerns among allies who believe a proposed Iran peace agreement is not tough enough on a regional power that attacked them during the war. Rubio had earlier met with the United Arab Emirates leader before sitting down with Kuwaiti officials, then departing for Bahrain.
The agreement between the U.S. and Iran, reached last week, marks the first deal signed by leaders of both nations since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979. The accord includes a proposed $300 billion fund and the lifting of certain sanctions.
Since the memorandum of understanding was signed last week, both countries have begun technical-level discussions to work out the specifics of how the deal will be put into practice. The agreement has faced criticism from Democrats as well as military hawks within the Republican Party.
Rubio left the door open for further progress, saying, “If Iran wants to make a good and real deal, the United States is open to that. If they’re not, then of course the President has options.”
He also noted that technical negotiators are expected to pick up talks again before the end of the month and will likely convene once more in Switzerland.
