Rubio lands in Gulf to sell Trump's $300 billion Iran peace deal to wary allies

Lead

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been shuttling through the Gulf this week, seeking to reassure allies who view the preliminary US-Iran agreement as too generous to a regional adversary. Arriving in Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday for a three-day tour, Rubio is undertaking his first high-level diplomatic mission on the accord reached last week to end the four-month-old war, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu.

Rubio's visit comes as Gulf states, many of which were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones during the conflict, express deep anxiety that the deal fails to address their concerns about continued Iranian efforts to project power and influence throughout the region, according to The Guardian.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the visit has been consistent across outlets, with Al Jazeera, The Guardian, the Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu all noting the Gulf states' concerns and the $300 billion fund. However, the emphasis has varied. Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post focused on Rubio's promise to protect Gulf interests, while The Hindu described the Gulf states as "skeptical" and noted some have taken a "harder line" on Iran than the Trump administration. The Guardian highlighted the Gulf leaders' anxiety about Iran's support for proxies, while the Jerusalem Post also reported on Rubio's comments about ending the "terror proxy regime." TASS focused on Rubio's statements regarding Lebanon and the goal of restoring Lebanese government sovereignty.

Key Claims

The $300 Billion Fund and Gulf Concerns

The proposed deal includes a $300 billion investment fund for Iran's reconstruction, a provision that has drawn criticism from Gulf states and some US lawmakers, according to the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu. Rubio, however, has insisted that the fund would only materialize if Iran's leadership decides "they want to be a country instead of a revolutionary movement that exports terror," as quoted by The Hindu. The Guardian reports that Gulf leaders are concerned the deal fails to address Iran's support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militias, while Rubio has argued that the memorandum of understanding calls for the "complete end of hostilities and conflicts in the region," which would require Iran to halt its proxy funding.

Strait of Hormuz and Freedom of Navigation

Rubio has also addressed the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint. "No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That's existing international law," he said, according to the Jerusalem Post. Al Jazeera reported that Rubio issued a "Hormuz toll warning" as he wrapped up his Gulf visit, following three days of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran over control of the strait. The US has said it will not accept Iran charging tolls or fees for vessels passing through the waterway.

Divisions Within the Trump Administration

Several reports note public disagreements between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio over Israel's actions in Lebanon. Vance criticized Israeli bombings of civilian infrastructure in Beirut, suggesting they were undermining US-led peace efforts, while Rubio defended Israel's military campaign as a justified response to Hezbollah attacks, according to the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera. Pressed on Vance's criticism, Rubio deflected and instead recounted an assault by Hezbollah on an Israeli checkpoint, the reports said. This contrast, as described by Al Jazeera, suggests that even as the administration has emphasized unity, differing worldviews are rising to the surface. The Guardian also reported that by making the ceasefire between Iran and the US dependent on an end to fighting in Lebanon, Iran has caused tensions between Israel and Washington.

Israel's Stance on Southern Lebanon

Israel has said it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the US demands it, according to Al Jazeera and TASS. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the Jewish state does not intend to withdraw its troops, and Al Jazeera reported that Israel will not leave as long as it perceives a threat from Hezbollah forces. Rubio, commenting on the situation, expressed hope that the Lebanese armed forces and the legitimate sovereign Lebanese government will control their territory, emphasizing that it should not be controlled by a terrorist group like Hezbollah. He added that the more territory the Lebanese army secures, the less Israel will be in Lebanon, calling that "the process we're working through right now."

Perspectives

US Administration

The Trump administration is presenting the deal as a significant achievement that will end hostilities and reintegrate Iran into the global economy, provided Tehran abandons its proxy network. Rubio has emphasized that the deal's benefits, including the $300 billion fund, are conditional on Iran's behavioral change, while also defending Israel's right to self-defense.

Gulf States

Gulf leaders, particularly in the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain—all nations hit by Iranian missiles—are reportedly wary of the deal, viewing it as too generous and insufficiently addressing Iran's missile program and proxy support. They have shared "very concrete concerns" with Rubio, who has acknowledged these disquiets.

Israel

Israel has publicly opposed the preliminary deal and insists it will maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah poses a threat to its northern regions. Israeli officials have taken a tougher stance than the US administration, with Vance warning Israel that "you can't just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem."