US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met leaders in Kuwait and the UAE on June 24 while on a three-country Gulf tour and stated that Washington would remain aligned with allies and avoid steps undermining their security. Reports indicate a US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed the prior week includes a proposed $300 billion fund and sanctions waivers, marking the first such agreement between American and Iranian presidents since 1979. Technical talks have begun following the memorandum.