Rubio Says No Country Can Charge Transit Fees in Strait of Hormuz
Manama: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no country has the right to impose transit fees or taxes on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the importance of keeping the strategic waterway open for international shipping.
Speaking after meetings with Gulf leaders in Bahrain, Rubio said the United States is closely monitoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any disruption to the free movement of ships would constitute a clear violation of international agreements governing navigation.
“There will be no transit fee for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and no country can levy taxes on ships using this international waterway,” Rubio said. He added that Gulf countries unanimously oppose the idea of imposing tolls or fees on maritime traffic in the strait.
Rubio noted that Oman has also expressed opposition to charging transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. He said European countries want the waterway to remain open but have not taken a leading role in ensuring that objective.
The U.S. Secretary of State described his meetings with Gulf leaders as productive, saying regional partners had shared serious concerns regarding security and stability in the Middle East. He reiterated Washington’s position that Iran’s support for proxy groups remains a major obstacle to peace in the region.
Rubio said the United States would judge Iran’s commitment to any future agreement based on its actions rather than its words. He added that President Donald Trump is closely monitoring developments and expects practical steps from Tehran.
Addressing regional security, Rubio stressed that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. He argued that Iran poses a greater threat to Europe than to the United States and criticized some European countries for refusing access to military bases, saying such decisions had weakened the transatlantic alliance.
On Lebanon, Rubio said Washington’s primary objective is a peaceful future for the country. Referring to a recent security incident, he stated that the Israeli military acted in self-defense after two individuals reportedly approached an Israeli checkpoint in a vehicle.
He also emphasized that any future agreement with Iran would include provisions aimed at safeguarding the security of Gulf allies. However, he said discussions with Gulf states did not include funding for Iran’s reconstruction.
Separately, Rubio expressed condolences over the recent earthquake in Venezuela, stating that the United States stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time. He said relief teams had been dispatched and conveyed deep sorrow over the reported loss of life.
