U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday praised Kenyan President William Ruto for publicly condemning Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Gulf states, as the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen security ties amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The phone conversation, held 23 March, highlighted growing U.S.-Kenya partnership on regional stability and countering threats from Iran and its proxies.
Rubio thanked Ruto for denouncing Iran’s attacks that targeted the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The strikes came in the wake of earlier U.S. and Israeli operations against Iranian targets.
“Secretary Rubio thanked President Ruto for his public condemnation of Iranian aggression against Gulf States and discussed the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement from the State Department.
Ruto issued his condemnation on 2 March, warning that the widening conflict threatened international peace and security. He called for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement through multilateral institutions to achieve de-escalation.
“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,” Ruto stated.
The Kenyan leader position drew mixed reactions at home. Some citizens applauded the diplomatic engagement with Western partners, while others questioned whether it strayed from Kenya traditional non-aligned foreign policy. Online commentary ranged from support for stronger security alliances to light-hearted jokes about potential Iranian retaliation.
During the call, Rubio briefed Ruto on the goals of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign — in coordination with Israel — aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, missile programs and proxy networks.
The discussion also touched on broader efforts to maintain stability in key maritime routes. Iran had threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and gas shipments, prompting earlier warnings from the Trump administration.
Rubio appreciated Kenya ongoing contributions to international peace missions, particularly its leadership in the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and its commitment to a smooth transition to the U.S.-backed Gang Suppression Force.
Kenyan police have begun a gradual withdrawal from Haiti as new contingents, including forces from Chad, prepare to take over under the expanded U.N.-authorized framework.
Beyond security, the two leaders explored opportunities to deepen commercial cooperation and trade between the United States and Kenya. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing bilateral partnership across security, economic and diplomatic fronts.
The call comes as the Middle East conflict continues to ripple through global markets and diplomatic circles. Analysts note that Kenya voice carries weight in African and non-aligned forums, making Ruto condemnation notable.
U.S. officials view the conversation as another step in bolstering alliances with key African partners facing complex global challenges.
