Rubio Stresses US Seeks Iran Deal but 'Not at Any Price,' Prioritizing Gulf Security and Verifiable Terms

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on June 25, 2026, that Washington wants a comprehensive agreement with Iran but will not accept terms that undermine regional security or allow Tehran to impose control over key maritime routes. Speaking during a U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting in Manama, Bahrain, Rubio emphasized firm conditions for any final deal emerging from ongoing negotiations.

Rubio told reporters and Gulf counterparts, “We want a deal, we don’t want a deal at any price.” He clarified the administration’s criteria: “We want a deal that’s good, we want a deal that’s real, we want a deal that’s verifiable, and we want a deal that’s adhered to.” Rubio stressed that any agreement reached during talks or afterward must not harm the security, stability, or prosperity of U.S. partners in the Gulf region.

The comments came amid implementation of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed earlier in June that established a 60-day framework for negotiations toward a permanent settlement. The MOU includes provisions for safe commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran committing to best efforts to restore pre-war shipping volumes within 30 days and no charges for an initial 60-day period. In exchange, the United States agreed to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Additional elements address ending active hostilities, including in Lebanon, and set the stage for further talks on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.

Rubio specifically rejected Iranian proposals to charge “maritime service fees” or assert administrative control over the strait after the initial period. He described such plans as a “fantasy” that would lead to “total chaos” and warned they would violate the spirit of any agreement. The secretary assured Gulf allies that the United States would not accept arrangements granting Iran effective ownership or toll authority over the vital waterway, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil trade passes.

Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, meeting with Rubio, underscored their concerns about Iran’s broader regional activities. They stated that lasting peace requires addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program, drone capabilities, and support for proxy forces. These issues remain outside the immediate scope of the current MOU framework but continue to shape Gulf states’ skepticism toward rapid normalization with Tehran.

The Rubio remarks follow recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, including an attack on a cargo ship that damaged its bridge and prompted the International Maritime Organization to pause evacuation planning for stranded vessels. Iran had previously imposed restrictions during the conflict and has signaled intentions to resume fee collection or enforce its preferred traffic schemes after the 60-day window. Rubio’s tour of the Gulf, including stops in Bahrain, aims to reassure partners that U.S. diplomacy will not sacrifice their interests for a quick resolution.

The Trump administration has maintained a consistent posture of maximum pressure on Iran while pursuing negotiations from a position of strength. Rubio’s “not at any price” formulation signals that core red lines—verifiable compliance, no tolls or Iranian dominance of the strait, and protection of Gulf allies—will guide the talks. Administration officials have noted that past agreements with Iran collapsed due to weak enforcement and Iranian violations, underscoring the need for robust verification mechanisms in any new accord.

Iranian officials have welcomed the MOU as a step toward sanctions relief and recognition of their regional role but have continued to push for broader concessions, including fees in the strait and limits on U.S. support for Israel and Gulf states. Rubio’s comments make clear that Washington will resist such demands where they conflict with American or allied security interests.

The secretary’s intervention in Bahrain highlights the administration’s focus on coalition-building with Gulf partners as talks with Tehran proceed. Any final deal will face close scrutiny from Congress and regional allies concerned about Iran’s history of using diplomacy to buy time for its nuclear and proxy activities. Rubio’s remarks reinforce that the United States seeks stability but will not trade away leverage or expose partners to renewed Iranian pressure.