West Asia war LIVE: U.S. promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks

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Tehran has emerged emboldened from the war, vowing not to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz and going so far as to call its initial deal with Washington to stop the fighting "a declaration of America's defeat

Updated - June 25, 2026 08:47 am IST

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport during his visit to the West Asia to discuss the interim deal between the U.S. and Iran with Arab Gulf allies, in Muharraq, near Manama, Bahrain, June 24, 2026.

| Photo Credit:

Reuters

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‌Corps on Thursday (June 25, 2026) said ⁠safe passage through the ‌Strait of Hormuz ‌is ‌only possible ⁠through ⁠routes designated by Iran, and that ‌a new route announced without coordination ‌with Iran is unacceptable and ⁠a safety risk.

Also read: Iran says deal to end West Asia war ‘declaration of U.S. defeat

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.

President Donald Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, meanwhile, and said the United States was “doing great” in negotiations with Iran.

Also read: Trump says it may never be known who was at fault for strike on girls’ school in Iran

Mr. Trump also asked Congress on Wednesday for nearly $88 billion in supplemental funding, most of it for the Pentagon to cover the cost of the Iran war.

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June 25, 2026 08:47

IRGC: new Hormuz route announced without Iran coordination is unacceptable, dangerous

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‌Corps on Thursday said ⁠safe passage through the ‌Strait of Hormuz ‌is ‌only possible ⁠through ⁠routes designated by Iran, and that ‌a new route announced without coordination ‌with Iran is unacceptable and ⁠a safety risk.

IRGC said ‌it will take action against vessels ‌that fail to comply with the requirements.

-Reuters

June 25, 2026 08:06

Trump asks Congress for more funds to fight Iran, defying rebuke on war powers

President Donald Trump’s administration asked the U.S. Congress on Wednesday ‌for $87.6 billion in additional funding, most of it related to the Iran war, setting the stage for another fight with lawmakers already frustrated with the conflict.

The supplemental funding request, ⁠posted on the White House website and transmitted to Congress, includes $67.15 billion for the military, in addition to some $1 trillion appropriated last year and another $1.5 trillion Mr. Trump wants for next year.

The White House said the latest funding request is ‌to cover operational costs of the Iran war, including for military personnel and readiness, operational costs to rebuild weapons stocks, and classified programs.

The funding request for the military includes $21 billion ‌to procure munitions, strengthen the U.S. industrial base and support critical capabilities.

-Reuters

June 25, 2026 07:42

U.S. promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.

Mr. Rubio is on a regional tour to reassure the Gulf states, which were targeted by Tehran’s missiles and drones during the conflict and saw their crucial oil and gas shipments effectively cut off by an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

During a visit to Kuwait City, Mr. Rubio said Washington would be on the same page as Gulf states as it wrangles with Iran over a permanent settlement to the conflict.

“We’re going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf,” he said, adding that the United States would “engage them on conversations about every decision that’s made with regards to this negotiation.”

Mr. Rubio is due to attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain on Thursday after sitting down with the leaders of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

-AFP

Published - June 25, 2026 07:42 am IST