Rubio Says Iran Must Follow Commitments as US Consults Gulf Allies

June 23, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would need to fulfil commitments made under ongoing diplomatic discussions, warning that Washington would reassess its approach if Tehran fails to follow through on agreed steps.

Rubio made the remarks in the United Arab Emirates during a Gulf tour aimed at consulting regional partners on a developing framework with Iran and addressing concerns over regional security, missile threats and the future of diplomatic engagement.

The visit comes as the United States seeks input from Gulf allies on the next phase of negotiations with Tehran. Rubio said Washington’s objective was to hear directly from partners and ensure their security and economic concerns were considered in future decisions.

Speaking to reporters, Rubio said the US understood what Iran had agreed to regarding the process and dismissed conflicting public statements from Iranian officials.

“We know what they agreed to do, and now they’ll either do it or they won’t,” Rubio said. “And if they do, the process moves forward. And if they don’t, the President will have some decisions to make.”

Rubio said the UAE and other Gulf partners have longstanding security relationships with Washington and described cooperation with Abu Dhabi as particularly strong in recent months.

The secretary of state said Gulf countries supported efforts toward peace but cautioned that resolving disputes with Iran would require time after decades of tensions.

“All of our allies are onboard with peace,” Rubio said, adding that the details of any agreement would continue to be negotiated.

He said progress had been made on a possible framework but acknowledged that significant issues remained unresolved, including regional security concerns involving Iran’s missile capabilities and allied armed groups.

Rubio said any future discussions would need to address Iranian-backed groups operating across the region, arguing that lasting stability would be difficult while attacks involving missiles and drones continued.

On potential reconstruction assistance for Iran, Rubio said the US government would not finance such efforts but said economic opportunities could emerge if Iran altered its approach to regional security.

“If Iran makes a decision that they want to be a country instead of a revolutionary movement that exports terror, they’re going to have an opportunity to do incredible things in Iran,” Rubio said.

The secretary of state also addressed Lebanon, saying talks concerning the country’s future would take place directly with the Lebanese government. He said Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah would remain part of discussions with Tehran but stressed that Lebanon’s future should be determined by the Lebanese people through their elected institutions.

Rubio also reaffirmed US support for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key international waterway, saying no country has the authority to impose restrictions or fees on its use under international law.

“It’s an international waterway,” Rubio said. “That’s existing international law.”

Source: FSX Business News