Rubio to visit Persian Gulf to discuss Iran MoU, Strait of Hormuz

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to the Persian Gulf region later this week to discuss regional issues, including the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera.

Rubio will visit the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23 to June 25, the US State Department announced in a media release on Monday. The statement said, "The Secretary will discuss a range of regional priorities, including the memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region."

In Bahrain, Rubio will also meet with the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) to discuss shared priorities across the region. The PGCC comprises six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, in addition to the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran over the nuclear deal and regional security. The MoU with Iran is seen as a key diplomatic tool to address outstanding issues. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, has been a focal point of strategic discussions.

According to the report by Mehr News Agency, the trip underscores the US commitment to engaging with Gulf allies on pressing regional matters.