U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a firm warning to Iran, stating that Tehran cannot impose toll fees or transit charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz — even as part of any future agreement with the United States. Such a move, he emphasized, would violate international law.
‘An International Sea Lane’
“The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea lane. No country has the right to levy tolls or transit fees on an international maritime route like the Strait of Hormuz,” Rubio said upon arriving in Abu Dhabi — the first stop on his Gulf region tour. His remarks reflect Washington’s longstanding position that freedom of navigation in the strait is non-negotiable and protected under international law.
Rubio noted that regional partners share this view, underscoring broad diplomatic consensus on the issue. His visit aims to strengthen ties with key U.S. allies in the Gulf, many of whom have recently come under Iranian missile and drone attacks amid heightened regional tensions.
Focus on Diplomacy — and Conditions
The Secretary confirmed that discussions with Gulf leaders will include the emerging U.S.-Iran understanding framework — a draft memorandum of understanding currently under development. While the text will serve as a central point of consultation, he added that issues not explicitly covered in the document will also be addressed.
He stressed that a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in the region remains unattainable as long as Iran-aligned groups continue launching missile and drone strikes from Iraq or carry out actions deemed terrorist by the U.S. government.
Next Stops: Kuwait and Bahrain
Rubio is scheduled to meet with UAE leadership tomorrow before traveling to Kuwait and Bahrain. His trip concludes with participation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting, set for Thursday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Weighs In
In a separate development, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated today that there should be no double standards regarding Iran’s ballistic missile program. He affirmed that Iran holds the same rights as other nations to possess such weapons — a position he said is reflected in the absence of any mention of ballistic missiles in the U.S.-Iran understanding framework, as the topic was never raised during negotiations.