U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday during a Middle East visit aimed at reassuring Gulf allies concerned about a newly proposed U.S.-Iran agreement. The discussions, held in Abu Dhabi, focused on regional security, the impact of the Iran accord, and the ongoing disruptions to international shipping routes caused by recent conflict.
Rubio, arriving in Abu Dhabi late Tuesday for a three-day diplomatic mission, engaged in a working lunch with Sheikh Mohamed and senior Emirati officials, including National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks addressed the memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran last week—the first such deal between the two countries since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. This agreement includes a proposed $300 billion financial fund and the easing of certain sanctions on Tehran.
The U.S.-brokered deal seeks to end a months-long conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran. The conflict severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway responsible for about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. During the meeting, Rubio emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the region and assured continued U.S. commitment to the security of the Emirates.
When questioned about concerns voiced by Gulf partners regarding the perceived leniency of the Iran deal, Rubio acknowledged that the issue would be a key point in ongoing discussions. He noted that the talks would also address topics not explicitly covered by the memorandum of understanding, reflecting the broader complexity of regional dynamics.
The U.S. diplomat’s visit forms part of a wider regional tour that includes stops in Kuwait and Bahrain. His engagement in Iran-related diplomacy marks a return to active U.S. involvement following a period in which Vice President JD Vance led separate negotiations with Iranian officials in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, regional efforts to manage security concerns in the Gulf continue independently. On Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks in Muscat with Omani officials to explore negotiations involving Iran, Iraq, and Gulf Arab states focused on the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, plans have been reported for broader reconciliation talks in Riyadh that may include Iran and various Gulf countries as well as other regional actors.
These diplomatic undertakings underscore a multifaceted approach to addressing ongoing tensions and ensuring the stability of a region vital to global energy supplies.