Will Washington shield Gulf allies in Iran talks?

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Yes. Washington said it will protect Gulf allies’ interests and avoid any deal that undermines their security.

Marco Rubio said the United States would be “completely aligned” with Gulf partners as it negotiates with Iran and would involve them in “every decision” connected to the talks. He also said Washington would not do anything that undermines the security of its allies, while insisting the pre-war status quo of toll-free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would be preserved.
Rubio made the pledge during a regional tour
Rubio is visiting Gulf states to reassure them after they were hit by Tehran’s missiles and drones and saw oil and gas shipments effectively cut off by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He spoke in Kuwait City after meeting the leaders of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and he is due in Bahrain for a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting.
The talks with Iran are still underway
The United States and Iran have a 60-day negotiating process aimed at a long-term agreement, but the initial deal did not address Gulf concerns about Iran’s missile programme and regional proxies. Rubio and Pakistan said technical talks were expected to resume in the coming days after a first round in Switzerland.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of tension
Rubio said he knew of no country that supports tolls or fees for use of the strait, and Donald Trump called any shipping fees “unacceptable.” Iran has said it wants to retain control over the waterway and charge maritime service fees, while Gulf states are pushing for no-charge freedom of navigation.
Gulf states are also pressing their own talks
A diplomat said Qatar’s prime minister travelled to Oman to start talks on the strait involving the Gulf states, Iraq and Iran. Another diplomat said separate reconciliation talks between Gulf countries and Iran were expected in Saudi Arabia, though no date was given.

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Will Washington shield Gulf allies in Iran talks?

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