Rubio and Gulf ministers link Lebanese and Gaza recovery to disarmament

A joint statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with foreign ministers from Gulf states laid out a hard line on armed nonstate groups in both Lebanon and Gaza. It said full Lebanese sovereignty cannot be achieved as long as nonstate armed organizations remain armed, making disarmament a prerequisite for that goal.

On Gaza, the statement stressed that disarming nonstate armed groups is a condition for rebuilding the Strip. It also said no one will be forced to leave Gaza, only those who choose to do so voluntarily, and anyone who leaves will be allowed to return at any time.

The statement also welcomed the memorandum of understanding with Iran, while calling for measures to stop Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. It added that the parties discussed how to deal with Iranian missiles and drones, and how to preserve free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.