Rubio pitches Iran deal to wary Gulf allies amid regional security concerns

Key facts

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
• Rubio is discussing a preliminary Iran accord with Gulf Arab leaders.
• Gulf allies express concerns about concessions strengthening Tehran.
• Concerns include reshaping regional security and oil flows.
• U.S. Central Command confirms continued regional military presence.
• American forces are conducting air and sea patrols in the Middle East.
• The U.S. maintains an estimated 40,000 troops in the region.
• Approximately 900 U.S. troops are in Syria for counterterrorism.
• The U.S. Treasury issued a general license for Iranian oil and petrochemical sales.
• The license is valid through August 21.
• The license permits transactions for sale, transport, and offloading of products.
• The license allows for imports into the U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is undertaking a diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to engage with Gulf Arab leaders regarding a preliminary accord with Iran. These allies have voiced significant concerns about potential concessions that could strengthen Tehran and lead to a reshaping of regional security dynamics and oil transportation routes. The discussions occur against a backdrop of continued U.S. military presence and operations in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command has confirmed that American forces are actively engaged in operations across the region, conducting air and sea patrols. This military activity persists amid ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. The United States maintains an estimated 40,000 troops stationed in the Middle East, with a specific contingent of approximately 900 U.S. troops operating in Syria focused on counterterrorism operations.

In parallel with these diplomatic and military engagements, the U.S. Treasury Department has issued a general license that authorizes Iranian oil and petrochemical product sales. This license is effective through August 21 and represents a step toward the implementation of a broader U.S.-Iran deal. The authorization permits a range of transactions essential for these sales, including the transportation and offloading of the products, and specifically allows for their import into the United States.