US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lauds Ruto for condemning Iran’s attacks
By Aloys Michael, March 24, 2026Kenya’s role in the escalating United States–Iran conflict has taken centre stage after the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with William Ruto, thanking Nairobi for its public rebuke of Iran.
According to a US readout of the phone conversation seen by People Daily digital, Rubio also reaffirmed strategic ties between the two countries on regional security issues.
At the same time, discussions also focused on the objectives of the U.S. and Israel operation in Iran, an operation the trump administration has dubbed Operation Epic Fury.
“Secretary Rubio thanked President Ruto for his public condemnation of Iranian aggression against Gulf States and discussed the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” a statement from Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Monday, March 23, 2026, reads.
Ruto had earlier denounced the strikes targeting Gulf states, warning that the widening conflict in the region threatens to sabotage international peace and security.
Ruto singled out attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain by Iran.
“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East. Kenya calls for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement towards de-escalation,” Ruto stated in a statement on March 2, 2026, condemning the attacks by Iran.
As he praised Ruto’s position on Iran, Rubio also recognised Kenya’s growing role in global peace efforts, citing its contribution to the Haiti mission and its commitment to a smooth handover to the Gang Suppression Force.
Both sides, according to the statement, discussed expanding commercial opportunities and pledged to further strengthen U.S.–Kenya ties.
The talks come amid tensions in the Middle East following the attacks. Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global maritime corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas passes.
Trump had earlier threatened to attack important plant bases in Iran if Iran did not open up the Strait of Hormuz in 48 hours, but backed down at the last minute, revealing successful discussions with Iranian authorities.
The war entered its fourth week, disrupting global shipping, particularly along the Strait of Hormuz, which carried 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.
Air transportation and normal living have occasionally been significantly disrupted in the Gulf states.