The U.S. secretary of state, Marco Rubio, is set to visit the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23 to June 25, according to a statement from his office. The trip, which will focus on discussions surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, comes amid broader regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the Middle East.
The visit aligns with recent developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, which concluded with a tentative agreement in Switzerland. The deal, signed last week, aims to ease hostilities between Washington and Tehran, including measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. However, the agreement is described as temporary, with a 60-day window for a definitive resolution.
Rubio’s itinerary includes meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials, who have expressed concerns about the terms of the agreement. Specifically, GCC leaders are wary of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, fearing it could be used to bolster the country’s military capabilities and support regional proxy groups. “While the GCC has generally supported efforts to end the conflict, there are significant reservations about the financial terms of the agreement,” a GCC official said, speaking to a news outlet.
The U.S. and Iran held their first round of formal talks in Switzerland on June 21, with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan facilitating the discussions. The talks, which lasted several days, resulted in a shared commitment to a 60-day roadmap for a final agreement. However, both sides emphasized that no binding commitments had been made on nuclear issues during the initial phase. “The Iranian delegation did not negotiate nuclear matters or take new commitments during the Swiss talks,” said Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
The negotiations were not without challenges. The talks began amid heightened tensions, including a recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to resume strikes against Iran if it did not compel the Hezbollah to cease attacks on Israeli forces. Despite these obstacles, the U.S. vice president, J.D. Vance, expressed optimism about the progress, stating that the talks had “delivered major progress” toward ending the Lebanon War and stabilizing the region.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, praised the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan, highlighting the lifting of the U.S. maritime blockade on Iran and the resumption of oil and petrochemical exports. “The blockade is lifted, some frozen assets are released, and a major reconstruction and development plan for Iran has been launched,” Araghchi said on social media, citing the agreement as a “real test” for de-escalation in Lebanon.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed that Rubio’s visit will include discussions with GCC leaders about the implementation of the Strait of Hormuz agreement. A spokesperson for the department stated, “The secretary will engage with regional partners to address concerns and ensure the agreement’s long-term success.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is scheduled to visit Pakistan on June 23, according to a statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry. The visit is described as “an important opportunity” to discuss ongoing diplomatic initiatives following the U.S.-Iran agreement. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the “positive and constructive atmosphere” of the Swiss talks, noting that the discussions had “realized encouraging progress” on a 60-day roadmap.
The Gulf states’ concerns about the U.S.-Iran deal have been echoed by regional analysts. “The GCC’s hesitation stems from a desire to prevent Iran from using the reconstruction fund to strengthen its military and proxy networks,” said a senior analyst at the Gulf Research Center. “While the agreement is a step toward peace, the financial terms remain a contentious issue.”
In addition to the Strait of Hormuz agreement, the talks addressed broader regional security issues, including the need for a permanent ceasefire in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the matter with U.S. Vice President Vance during a phone call on June 22, with representatives from Qatar and the White House also participating. “The focus was on maintaining the ceasefire and preventing further escalation,” a Lebanese official said.
The U.S. and Iran have also initiated technical discussions in Switzerland to refine the implementation of the agreement. A delegation from Iran, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, will participate in the talks, alongside representatives from Pakistan and Qatar. The discussions will cover mechanisms for monitoring the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a political oversight committee.
On the economic front, the resumption of maritime trade has shown early signs of recovery. Two oil tankers carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude passed through the Strait of Hormuz on June 22, according to vessel tracking data. Additionally, two super tankers entered the Gulf from the Strait, with one heading to the Iraqi port of Basra. However, the number of crossings remains below pre-conflict levels, with the Strait still handling only a fraction of its usual 125 daily crossings.
Global markets have reacted cautiously to the developments. European stock indices closed higher on June 22, with investors optimistic about the progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations. However, concerns about potential reversals and regional instability have kept traders cautious. “The market is welcoming the positive signals but remains vigilant,” said a financial analyst at a European investment firm.
China has also weighed in on the situation, expressing support for efforts to maintain peace in the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a meeting with Iranian security officials that “the implementation of the agreement will help consolidate the hard-won ceasefire and open new prospects for U.S.-Iran relations.”
Looking ahead, the next major milestone will be the technical discussions in Switzerland on June 23, where the U.S. and Iran will work to finalize the agreement’s implementation details. The GCC is expected to play a key role in these talks, with its leaders seeking assurances about the financial and security terms of the deal.
Rubio’s visit to the Gulf will also include a meeting with the GCC council, where he is expected to address the bloc’s concerns. The council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, has called for greater transparency in the agreement’s financial provisions. “The GCC remains committed to regional stability but needs clarity on how the $300 billion fund will be managed,” said a GCC official.
As the 60-day window for a definitive agreement approaches, the focus will shift to the practical steps required to ensure the deal’s
Worth a look
