US Secretary of State Admits Gulf Fears Over Iran's Proxy Armies

During a brief visit to the Middle East, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Gulf leaders have "very concrete concerns" about Iran's use of proxy forces. These leaders worry that a recent US-Iran deal does not stop Tehran from backing armed groups across the region. Rubio insisted that any final agreement must force Iran to not only limit its nuclear program but also end support for Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. The admission highlights a growing push to disarm non-state militias, yet the temptation for nations to use proxies continues to fuel instability.