US and Gulf ministers open talks in Bahrain amid regional shift

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and foreign ministers from the six Gulf Cooperation Council states opened high-level talks in Manama on Thursday, convening to discuss regional security and maritime stability following recent diplomatic breakthroughs between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking at the opening session, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani welcomed the recent cessation of regional hostilities and the signing of a memorandum between Washington and Tehran, praising the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He singled out Muscat's establishment of a temporary maritime corridor as a concrete step toward regional stability, noting that such measures reduce tensions in the vital waterway. "This is encouraging progress," Al Zayani said.

Iran nuclear compliance urged

Despite the positive tone, Al Zayani stressed the need for Tehran to meet its obligations under the recent agreement. "But it is also important that Iran fully complies with its obligations, including those under the memorandum of understanding, in addition to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and preserving freedom of navigation," he said. The Bahraini minister emphasized that sustainable regional security requires full Iranian adherence to non-proliferation commitments.

Rubio concludes regional tour

Rubio arrived in Bahrain late Wednesday during the final leg of his Gulf tour from June 23 to 25, according to diplomatic sources. The GCC and Washington maintain regular consultations on regional security, political coordination and economic cooperation amid ongoing developments in the Middle East. Thursday's session marks the latest high-level engagement between Washington and Gulf capitals following the recent maritime corridor agreement.