Manama: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the enduring strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, following a positive meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Secretary Rubio highlighted the US commitment to ensuring that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) negotiations with Iran do not compromise the interests, sovereignty, security, or stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Secretary Rubio, speaking at a press conference at the end of his Bahrain visit, reiterated the objective of his Gulf tour was to align regional partners on the outcomes of the MoU and negotiations with Iran. He reaffirmed Washington's commitment to maintaining direct communication with Gulf countries regarding all developments in the process, ensuring that regional partners are not informed through media channels.
Secretary Rubio characterized his meeting with GCC foreign ministers in Manama as productive, emphasizing mutual support between the US and GCC. He stated that the US aims to reflect GCC perspectives in the negotiation process and keep Gulf partners directly informed as talks progress.
Addressing maritime security and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary Rubio noted the GCC's unified stance against imposing tolls or fees on international waters. He declared that any attempt to charge vessels for transiting these waterways is unacceptable, assuring that the US would neither support nor allow such measures. He emphasized that the US would assess the situation based on actions, with the continued free movement of ships through the Strait as a crucial benchmark.
The US Secretary of State reaffirmed the US commitment to pursuing diplomatic avenues with Iran, ensuring no agreements are made without informing regional partners or compromising their interests and security. He clarified that the MoU with Iran establishes a negotiation framework rather than a final agreement, outlining parameters, limitations, timelines, and verification mechanisms.
Secretary Rubio stated the current sanctions relief involves a short-term 60-day waiver to facilitate negotiations and assess potential progress. He expressed the US's readiness to achieve "a good deal and a real deal" with Iran, should Iran be willing.
Secretary Rubio concluded his Gulf tour in Bahrain, having previously visited the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, where he engaged with leaders and senior officials.