US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Gulf allies in Bahrain on Thursday that any US Iran deal would not come at the cost of their security or prosperity.
Rubio made the remarks at a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting during a regional tour aimed at reassuring Gulf partners after the US and Iran signed a preliminary deal to end the Middle East war.
“While we want a deal, we don’t want a deal at any price,” Rubio said. He said Washington would not accept terms that undermine Gulf stability.
Rubio also rejected Iranian plans to charge maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz. He said international waterways do not belong to any single state, echoing Washington’s position that the route must remain toll-free.
SECRETARY RUBIO: "We will not be making any decisions or commitments that in any way undermines the prosperity, stability, or security of our Gulf partners." pic.twitter.com/FBuMUNMBXF
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 25, 2026The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Gulf energy exporters rely on the narrow route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said plans for Hormuz did not include transit fees, despite earlier statements by Oman and Iran that they were studying costs for services in the strait.
Oman also released a temporary shipping route near its coast. It said the route was coordinated with the International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations agency responsible for marine safety.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later criticised the new corridor and warned that unauthorised crossings would be “dealt with.” Iran has also called its initial deal with Washington “a declaration of America’s defeat.”
Rubio and mediator Pakistan said technical talks between the United States and Iran were expected to resume in the coming days after a first round in Switzerland.
