Kuwait City, Kuwait. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure Gulf allies on Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s agreement with Iran to end their recent conflict, as questions persisted over key elements of the accord and Israel reaffirmed its intention to maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon.
The agreement signed last week ended a war that disrupted Middle Eastern security and temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz, while shipping traffic gradually resumed and oil prices fell by more than $3 on Wednesday to their lowest level since before the conflict began.
Regional concerns over agreement
Despite the agreement, differing interpretations of its provisions have fuelled criticism in Washington and across the region. Disputes have emerged over financial incentives reportedly offered to Iran, the future management of the Strait of Hormuz and the continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump told reporters, “We’re winning by a lot. Iran is making very big concessions.”
Rubio’s Gulf tour
Speaking in Kuwait during a regional tour, Rubio said Washington remained “completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf” and insisted the United States would not take any action that undermined the security of its allies.
Rubio also rejected Iran’s proposal to impose tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, a measure opposed by Gulf states and the United States.
Disputes over incentives for Tehran
Several regional governments remain sceptical about the agreement, particularly reports that it could include a reconstruction fund worth $300 billion and sanctions relief for Tehran. Critics argue such measures could strengthen Iran’s military capabilities while leaving unresolved concerns over its ballistic missile programme.
Israel’s position in southern Lebanon
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon. Katz said there was currently “no American demand” for Israel to withdraw, describing the position as a political achievement.
Israel and Lebanon are discussing a US-backed proposal under which Israeli troops would withdraw from parts of the territory captured during the conflict and transfer control to the Lebanese army.
Iran’s view on Lebanon ceasefire
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a ceasefire in Lebanon remained a central objective for Tehran, stating that ending the conflict there was as important as ending hostilities with Iran.
