Gulf states considering next moves as Donald Trump administration sends Marco Rubio for talks

What Happened

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 25, meeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states in Bahrain. Rubio emphasised US opposition to any tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that acceptance of such fees would cause global chaos. He pledged that the US would not make agreements threatening Gulf partners' security. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani described the period as 'a critical time for the region,' referencing recent Iranian attacks on Gulf states and welcoming a US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar that halted hostilities for sixty days. Al Zayani called for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, ending missile and drone attacks, and ceasing support for militias. Oman announced a temporary maritime corridor for vessels transiting the strait. Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told the Financial Times on June 24 that Gulf countries are working on a regional security framework with Iran, aiming for future economic cooperation. Analysts note Gulf states are deepening defence ties with China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and European nations, diversifying security partnerships amid fragile unity.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Gulf states, key energy exporters and US partners, are navigating a fragile pause in hostilities with Iran. The US reiterates its commitment to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint. Gulf hedging—deepening ties with China and other powers while negotiating directly with Tehran—signals a potential realignment of regional security that could diminish US influence and reshape the post-conflict order.

Watch For

Monitor the 60-day US–Iran diplomatic window mediated by Pakistan and Qatar; implementation of Oman's temporary maritime corridor; any progress on the Qatar-proposed regional security framework with Iran; and whether Rubio's warning on Strait tolls translates into concrete US naval posture or sanctions.