Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport during his visit to the West Asia to discuss the interim deal between the U.S. and Iran with Arab Gulf allies, in Muharraq, near Manama, Bahrain, June 24, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps on Thursday (June 25, 2026) said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible through routes designated by Iran, and that a new route announced without coordination with Iran is unacceptable and a safety risk.
Also read: Iran says deal to end West Asia war ‘declaration of U.S. defeat
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.
President Donald Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, meanwhile, and said the United States was “doing great” in negotiations with Iran.
Also read: Trump says it may never be known who was at fault for strike on girls’ school in Iran
Mr. Trump also asked Congress on Wednesday for nearly $88 billion in supplemental funding, most of it for the Pentagon to cover the cost of the Iran war.
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June 25, 2026 07:42
U.S. promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.
Mr. Rubio is on a regional tour to reassure the Gulf states, which were targeted by Tehran’s missiles and drones during the conflict and saw their crucial oil and gas shipments effectively cut off by an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
During a visit to Kuwait City, Mr. Rubio said Washington would be on the same page as Gulf states as it wrangles with Iran over a permanent settlement to the conflict.
“We’re going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf,” he said, adding that the United States would “engage them on conversations about every decision that’s made with regards to this negotiation.”
Mr. Rubio is due to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain on Thursday after sitting down with the leaders of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
-AFP
Published - June 25, 2026 07:42 am IST
