Marco Rubio seeks Gulf backing for US‑Iran deal during Bahrain visit

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bahrain to meet officials, including King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting. The trip, the final stop of his Gulf tour after stops in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, aims to persuade Arab Gulf allies to support the preliminary agreement the Trump administration reached with Iran. Rubio told Gulf leaders that Washington will involve them in any decisions arising from the negotiations and reassured them that the deal will not undermine their security.

The U.S.–Iran framework, announced in Switzerland, includes a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran and provisions for nuclear inspections, but omits restrictions on Iranian ballistic missiles. Rubio highlighted concerns that a weakened sanctions regime could expand Iran’s regional influence and affect oil routes, while Gulf states, historically wary of Tehran, weigh the potential benefits and risks of the agreement.