**Rubio Defends Iran Deal on Gulf Tour**
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a diplomatic tour of the Gulf region on Wednesday, aiming to reassure allies regarding President Donald Trump’s recent agreement with Iran, which seeks to end a conflict that has significantly impacted Middle Eastern security. The deal, signed last week, concluded a war that had temporarily closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
As shipping traffic in the Strait began to normalize, oil prices saw a notable decline, dropping by over $3 on Wednesday to levels not seen since before the onset of the conflict. However, the agreement has not been without controversy, as various interpretations of its terms have sparked criticism both in Washington and throughout the region. Concerns have been raised regarding financial incentives purportedly extended to Iran, the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
During his visit to Kuwait, Rubio emphasized that the United States remains "completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf," assuring that no actions would be taken that could jeopardize the security of Gulf states. He also dismissed Iran's proposal to impose tolls on vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a suggestion that has met with strong opposition from both Gulf nations and the US government.
Skepticism about the agreement persists among several regional governments, particularly regarding reports of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran and the prospect of sanctions relief. Critics argue that such measures could inadvertently bolster Iran’s military capabilities while failing to address ongoing concerns about its ballistic missile program.
In parallel developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed Israel's commitment to maintaining a military presence in southern Lebanon. Katz noted that there is currently “no American demand” for Israel to withdraw from the area, framing this stance as a political victory for the Israeli government. Ongoing discussions between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by US mediation, involve a proposal for Israeli troops to withdraw from certain territories captured during the conflict, with control potentially being handed over to the Lebanese military.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reiterated Tehran’s commitment to achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon, highlighting the importance of resolving the conflict there alongside the cessation of hostilities with Iran itself.
In a related incident, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, according to local security and medical sources. The Israeli military is currently investigating these reports.
The broader implications of the agreement also encompass Iran's nuclear program, a key issue underlying the recent conflict. While President Trump has claimed that Iran consented to unlimited nuclear inspections, Iranian officials have refuted this assertion. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that there are no current plans to allow inspectors access to facilities that were damaged during the conflict, adding that any future inspections would only be considered as part of a comprehensive final agreement, contingent on the US taking concrete steps to lift all sanctions against Iran.
The interim agreement includes a 60-day negotiation period aimed at resolving outstanding disputes. Rubio indicated that technical discussions between US and Iranian officials are expected to recommence later this month, likely in Switzerland.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of developments in the region, particularly regarding the implications of the Iran deal and its potential impact on Middle Eastern stability.