Rubio Assures Gulf Allies U.S. Will Protect Security Interests in Iran Negotiations

During a visit to Kuwait on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Gulf allies that the United States will take their security interests into account during any negotiations with Iran. Rubio stressed that Washington remains in close coordination with its Gulf partners on these matters.

The secretary of state also made clear that the United States opposes any fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. These statements come in the wake of recent talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland.

The Switzerland talks resulted in a preliminary framework aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. They also produced a roadmap toward reaching a broader agreement within the next 60 days.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its pre-war status. According to Ghalibaf, Tehran plans to maintain a role in managing maritime traffic in the area together with Oman.

For his part, President Donald Trump has described any attempt to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable. Trump noted that discussions with Tehran were progressing very well.