US keen on Gulf security & stability, state secretary Rubio says
MANAMA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington will ensure that understandings and negotiations under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding do not undermine the sovereignty, security or stability of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of a GCC-US ministerial meeting in Manama, Rubio said the purpose of his regional tour was to brief Gulf partners on the outcomes of discussions with Iran and to reaffirm that the United States remains committed to maintaining close coordination with its regional allies on all developments related to the file.
He stressed that any diplomatic track with Iran would be pursued in a way that safeguards the interests of Gulf states, adding that Washington would not accept any arrangements that are not transparent to regional partners or that could threaten their security.
On maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio said GCC states had expressed a clear and unified position rejecting any attempt to impose fees or charges on international shipping lanes. He described such measures as unacceptable and unenforceable, adding that the United States would not support or permit them.
Rubio also said Washington would judge developments based on actions rather than statements, noting that the continued normal flow of shipping through the Strait would remain a key indicator in assessing stability in the region.
The US Secretary of State reiterated that Washington remains committed to giving diplomacy with Iran every opportunity to succeed, while ensuring that any outcome reflects the interests of regional partners. He stressed that the memorandum of understanding should not be seen as a final agreement but rather a framework for continued negotiations.
He added that the current arrangement includes a temporary 60-day exemption period designed to allow space for talks and exploration of potential agreements.
Rubio said the United States remained open to reaching what he described as a good and genuine deal if Iran demonstrates willingness to engage constructively.
-QNA
