US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated a new round of negotiations between the US and Iran is expected to take place in Switzerland on June 29 or 30.
During discussions with Kuwait’s Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Rubio sought to reassure Gulf partners concerned about the implications of the recent US-Iran understanding. Several regional allies have expressed unease that the agreement does not address longstanding issues surrounding Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and its network of allied armed groups across the Middle East.
Ahead of the meeting, Rubio attended a flag-raising ceremony at the US Embassy in Kuwait marking the full restoration of diplomatic operations after the facility was targeted during an Iranian attack.
In remarks posted on social media, Rubio said, “Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability.” Rubio “looks forward to strengthening our partnership”.
The Secretary of State later travelled to Abu Dhabi, where he met United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed. According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, their talks focused on developments related to Iran as well as measures aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pigott said Rubio expressed appreciation for the UAE’s role during the recent tensions, commending the country’s response to Iranian attacks and reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Emirati security.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain evident elsewhere. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the United States has not called on Israel to pull its forces out of southern Lebanon, despite Beirut maintaining that such a withdrawal is a prerequisite for progress in ongoing ceasefire discussions.
Source: The Advertiser
