US signals openness to Iran agreement while setting clear limits

The United States has said it remains committed to reaching a lasting agreement with Iran but has made it clear that it will not accept any deal that threatens the security of its allies or regional stability.

The United States has said it remains committed to reaching a lasting agreement with Iran but has made it clear that it will not accept any deal that threatens the security of its allies or regional stability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered the message during his visit to Bahrain as part of a tour aimed at reassuring Gulf countries following months of conflict in the Middle East and the start of new negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Rubio said the United States supports diplomacy but stressed that any agreement must protect the interests of America and its partners across the Gulf. He explained that Washington is not willing to accept an agreement simply for the sake of ending tensions. According to Rubio, every part of the negotiations must strengthen regional security rather than create new risks. His comments came as Gulf states continued to express concern over Iran’s missile programme and its backing of armed groups operating across the Middle East.

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council echoed those concerns after meeting Rubio. They said a lasting peace would require more than addressing Iran’s nuclear programme. They also called for discussions covering ballistic missiles, drone capabilities and Tehran’s support for regional proxy groups, which they believe continue to threaten stability across the region.

At the same time, fresh security concerns emerged in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coastline. The attack caused damage to the ship’s bridge but no injuries were reported. Following the incident, the International Maritime Organization temporarily suspended its operation to help evacuate hundreds of commercial ships and crews that had become trapped because of the recent conflict. The organisation said the pause would remain in place until safety conditions in the area could be reviewed.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes because a large share of global oil and natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway. During the conflict, Iran imposed restrictions on shipping and later announced plans to introduce service charges for vessels using the route. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from the United States and its allies, who argue that international waterways must remain open and accessible to all commercial traffic.

Rubio firmly rejected any attempt to impose fees on ships passing through the strait. He said international shipping lanes cannot be controlled by any single country because such a move would create uncertainty and disrupt global trade. Gulf countries also supported unrestricted navigation through the waterway, describing it as essential for regional economies and international energy markets.

Oman, which has played an important role in regional diplomacy, announced a temporary shipping route closer to its coastline to improve maritime safety. Omani officials clarified that the new arrangement does not include transit charges, even though earlier discussions had explored possible service costs linked to the route.

Under the preliminary agreement signed between Washington and Tehran last week, commercial ships are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without charges for the next 60 days. However, it remains uncertain what system will apply after that period ends. As negotiations continue, both sides are expected to address wider issues including sanctions, nuclear activities and long term security arrangements that could shape stability across the Gulf for years to come.