Rubio Rejects Iran’s Proposal for Strait of Hormuz Tolls

Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the media after arriving in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. He dismissed the idea that Iran could charge ships for passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement highlights a crucial part of negotiations with Iran that affects global trade.

Rubio’s visit to the Middle East began in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the first of three planned stops in Gulf Arab capitals. Leaders worldwide are analyzing the differing narratives of the positions taken by Washington and Tehran following recent peace talks in Switzerland.

“No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” Rubio stated. “That’s existing international law. That’s how it works in international waterways globally, and we expect it to remain this way here.”

Last week, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding. It acknowledges Iran’s partial control of the strait and includes Oman, whose territory borders the waterway, in its administration. The agreement stipulates that no tolls will be charged for 60 days, without specifying future terms.

Iran claims a right to charge ships for transiting through the strait and has discussed this with Oman. Iranian officials argue these would be fees for unspecified services rather than tolls. Shipping analysts view this as avoiding the issue semantically.

President Trump has shared via social media that tolls are not an option for traffic through the strait, “unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America.” Rubio did not comment on Trump’s remarks.