The US reached an agreement with Iran, but not at any cost.

According to AFP, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that Washington always has red lines in the US-Iran negotiations. This statement comes as a naval attack in the Strait of Hormuz has forced the United Nations to temporarily suspend efforts to rescue stranded sailors.

During a trip to Bahrain aimed at reassuring Gulf partners heavily impacted by the Middle East conflict, the US Secretary of State flatly rejected the idea of ​​allowing Tehran to collect fees through the strait. Rubio warned that such concessions would pave the way for "total chaos."

Currently, the US and Iran have signed a preliminary agreement to end the conflict started by the US and Israel by the end of February 2026. The two sides are entering tense rounds of negotiations, expected to focus on Tehran's nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, and the global flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Gulf states and Israel have long harbored deep concerns about Iran's missile program and its funding of proxy forces in the region. It remains unclear whether these sensitive issues will be included on the official agenda.

Following talks with Foreign Minister Rubio, the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed that sustainable regional peace and security requires a comprehensive approach to all threats from Iran, including cruise missiles, drones, and support for proxy armed groups.

Earlier, Rubio acknowledged that while the U.S. wanted to reach a U.S.-Iran agreement, Washington "would not acquire it at all costs." The U.S. Secretary of State stated: "We want to ensure that no provision in this agreement harms the security, stability, or prosperity of our Gulf partners."

Rubio also sought to reassure resource-rich Gulf nations that the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway they have relied on for decades to export oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) – would continue to be free to navigate.