Rubio Says Iran’s Funding and Arming ‘Terror Groups’ Like Hezbollah, Houthis and Hamas Must Be Addressed in MoU Talks

25/06/2026

Rubio Says Iran’s Funding and Arming ‘Terror Groups’ Like Hezbollah, Houthis and Hamas Must Be Addressed in MoU Talks

MANAMA, Jun 25: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Iran’s support for non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas, must be addressed as part of discussions surrounding the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking during a ministerial meeting in Bahrain, Rubio said the agreement was intended to promote peace, stability and non-interference in the sovereignty of countries across the region.

“There’s no doubt that that will be a topic that has to be discussed,” Rubio said, referring to Iran’s backing of armed groups operating outside state control.

He argued that lasting regional stability would be difficult to achieve as long as non-state actors continue to operate within sovereign countries while receiving support from Iran.

“Ultimately, you’re not going to have peace and stability in this region as long as there are non-state actors operating within the boundaries and borders of sovereign countries and being funded by Iran,” Rubio said.

The remarks come as the United States and Iran seek to build on a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions and establishing a broader framework for regional security and cooperation.