US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the US-Iran deal with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on Wednesday, and renewed Washington’s commitment to the country’s security on the first leg of a tour of the Gulf.

“They discussed President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region,” said his spokesperson Tommy Pigott, adding that Rubio “reaffirmed the US commitment to the security of the Emirates”.

This comes at the start of Rubio’s Gulf tour, which includes the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, to discuss the US-Iranian deal and reassure Washington’s Gulf allies hit hardest by Iran during the Middle East war.

Speaking shortly after arriving in Abu Dhabi, Rubio said he intended to discuss the US-Iran memorandum of understanding with Gulf leaders, which does not address Iran’s missile program and proxies — two long-standing Gulf concerns.

Rubio insisted that no country is allowed to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz after Oman and Iran, which border the waterway, said they were considering charging “costs” for navigating the key exit route for Gulf oil and gas.

This marks the first visit by a senior US official to the Middle East since the agreement was signed last week.

The energy-rich Gulf, home to several American military bases, bore the brunt of Iran’s attacks in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that sparked the war on 28 February.

The UAE was targeted by more than 2,800 missiles and drones — more than any other country in the region — while Kuwait and Bahrain were also badly hit relative to their small size.

During the war, the UAE doubled down on its alliance with the US and repeatedly said Iran’s missile program and proxies should be dealt with. (AFP)