Iran ceasefire deal: Marco Rubio visits UAE to address Gulf concerns over Hormuz and sanctions relief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Abu Dhabi, beginning a tour of the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain to discuss an Iran ceasefire deal. The plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and offer sanctions relief, with nuclear talks set to conclude within 60 days. Rubio aims to reassure sceptical Gulf partners.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached the United Arab Emirates late Tuesday. The visit opened a three-country Gulf tour that also included Kuwait and Bahrain. The trip aimed to calm worries about a new agreement linked to ending the war with Iran. Rubio planned to start meetings with regional leaders on Wednesday.

The talks followed two days of US-Iran diplomacy in Switzerland led by Vice President JD Vance. Vance said the effort produced a significant agreement. It aimed to end all hostilities in the region. It also aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It offered sanctions relief and set 60 days for nuclear talks.

Marco Rubio agreement talks with UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain

Rubio met partners that Iran previously targeted with missiles and drones. The strikes came after US-Israeli airstrikes, according to the report. Some Gulf leaders recently took a tougher stance on Iran than the Trump administration. Rubio said the trip would address doubts and explain the deal’s benefits if it was implemented.

Rubio linked a proposed $300 billion investment fund to changes in Iran’s direction. Rubio said the fund depended on Iran’s leadership choices. Rubio said Iran must choose statehood over militancy and external violence. Rubio also faced regional criticism about gaps in the deal’s coverage and timing.

Marco Rubio agreement disputes on missiles, proxies and nuclear timeline

Gulf concerns included Iran’s missile programme and backing for proxies. Critics also said nuclear issues were delayed until later. Rubio said the memorandum of understanding signed last week still addressed conflict drivers. Rubio said ending hostilities would require Iran to stop funding Hamas in Gaza.

Rubio also named Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Rubio argued the agreement’s goals could not hold otherwise. "You cant have the end of hostilities and conflicts in a region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq, and are participating in terrorism, like Hamas did, and like Hezbollah did,\" Rubio said. \"So, I do think its covered by the MOU, and it is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations.\"

Marco Rubio agreement focus on Strait of Hormuz access

The Emiratis pushed strongly for action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Reports gave differing views on what last week’s MOU meant for the route. Many countries wanted the strait open and free for all shipping. The US position stayed firm, while Iran pursued service fees that critics saw as a toll.

Rubio said the US would not accept any passage charges for the waterway. \"Its an international waterway,\" he said. \"No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. Thats existing international law. Thats the way it is. I dont think we have anybody to convince around here in that regard. I think all the countries in this region would agree with us,\" he said.

Rubio’s meetings in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain continued the effort to sell the deal’s terms. The visit followed the Switzerland talks and the signing of the MOU last week. Rubio said the agreement depended on implementation and future nuclear negotiations within 60 days. Key regional issues remained tied to shipping access and proxy activity.

With inputs from PTI