Rubio: No Deal Should Undermine Gulf Sovereignty or Stability

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored the importance of the decades-long strategic relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting his recent meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.

Rubio praised the positive outcome of the meeting with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to ensuring that ongoing understandings and negotiations under the memorandum of understanding with Iran do not undermine the sovereignty, security, or stability of Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of his visit to Bahrain—where he also participated in a meeting with Gulf foreign ministers under the Gulf Cooperation Council—Rubio said his regional tour aimed to brief partners on the outcomes of discussions with Iran.

He stressed that the United States remains committed to maintaining direct and continuous communication with Gulf countries on all developments related to the Iran file, adding that Washington does not want its regional allies to learn of such sensitive updates through media reports.

Describing his talks in Manama as “highly productive,” Rubio said both sides reaffirmed mutual support and agreed on the importance of ensuring that GCC perspectives remain central throughout the ongoing diplomatic process.

On maritime security and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio noted a unified GCC position rejecting any attempt to impose transit fees or charges on international shipping passing through global waterways.

He emphasized that any such move would be unacceptable and unenforceable, adding that the United States would neither support nor allow measures that restrict freedom of navigation.

Rubio further stated that Washington would assess developments based on actions rather than statements, stressing that the uninterrupted and normal flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would remain a key benchmark in evaluating the situation.