Pakistan, June 24 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin a diplomatic tour of Gulf countries to defend Washington's emerging Iran agreement. The visit comes as key US allies in the region express concern over the terms of the deal. The development is significant because it could reshape long-standing security and energy alignments in the Middle East.

Rubio is expected to meet officials in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, along with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The talks aim to reassure partners who fear the agreement may strengthen Iran's regional influence. These states host major US military bases and remain central to Washington's security strategy.

The draft US-Iran memorandum includes...