US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bahrain ahead of a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting. In a statement there, Rubio emphasized Washington's commitment to protecting the interests of its allies in the Gulf.
Rubio's visit comes amid rising tensions in the region. The American official's discussions are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues.
Iran announces stance on nuclear inspections
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that visits to nuclear facilities in Iran would take place. However, the Tehran administration outlined a different position regarding the timing of these inspections.
The Iranian side announced that inspections of nuclear facilities will only take place if a final agreement with the US is reached. This statement is seen as a significant indicator of the ongoing negotiations between the two countries.