Marco Rubio Rejects Iran Tolls On Hormuz
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran will not be allowed to charge tolls or fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz under any final agreement with Washington, as negotiations continue after a preliminary US-Iran deal to halt hostilities.
Rubio Rejects Iran Strait Of Hormuz Tolls
Rubio said the United States would not accept any arrangement that allows Iran to impose tolls or transit fees on the Strait of Hormuz. He described the route as an international waterway and said no country should be permitted to charge ships for passage.
His remarks came as Washington seeks to reassure Gulf allies during a regional visit. The issue has become a key point of dispute in talks involving sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme and the future management of the waterway.
Iran Oman Talks Raise Shipping Concerns
Iran and Oman have said they will study the administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the possible costs linked to services for vessels using the route. Both countries have also referred to their sovereignty over the strait.
Iran has repeatedly argued that the waterway should not return to its pre-war status quo. Tehran has also indicated that it wants a greater role in managing ship movement through the strategic route.
Strait Of Hormuz Remains Key Energy Route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is critical for global oil, LNG and cargo movement.
Shipping through the route had been disrupted during the conflict, pushing up concerns over energy prices and supply stability. Traffic has begun improving since the preliminary agreement, but the debate over tolls, inspections and missile limits shows that major disagreements remain before any final deal is reached.
