Abu Dhabi, June 23 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (local time) said that lasting peace and stability in West Asia cannot be achieved as long as Iranian-backed proxy groups continue launching attacks and engaging in militant activities across the region, while stressing that discussions over a Lebanon ceasefire are separate from ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi as part of his visit to the Persian Gulf region from June 23 to June 25, Rubio said Iranian proxies operating from Iraq continue to threaten regional security through missile and drone attacks.

"You can't have the end of hostilities and conflict in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and d...