Secretary of State Marco Rubio Addresses Strait of Hormuz Charges

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed Iran’s talk of charging ships for passage through the Persian Gulf portal, stating such actions are prohibited under international law.

Rubio announced during his visit to Abu Dhabi that “no country” could impose tolls or fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This stance emphasizes a crucial negotiating point with Iran that impacts global commerce.

Rubio’s visit to the Middle East includes three stops in Gulf Arab capitals amid efforts to navigate conflicting reports on positions held by Washington and Tehran following recent peace talks in Switzerland.

“No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” Rubio asserted. “That’s existing international law,” he continued, noting global expectations for the Strait of Hormuz to adhere to this standard.

A memorandum signed by the United States and Iran affirms Iran’s control over the strait, allowing Iran and Oman to manage its administration. It prohibits any toll charges for 60 days but leaves future conditions unspecified.

Iran’s officials have claimed the right to charge ships passing through, suggesting fees for unspecified services. Analysts consider this a semantic attempt to circumvent toll restrictions.

President Trump initially ruled out tolls on traffic through the strait unless imposed by the United States.