Marco Rubio’s Stance on Shipping Charges
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed Iran’s suggestion of charging ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing international law. During his visit to the Middle East, Rubio emphasized that no country is permitted to impose tolls or fees on international waterways.
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Rubio stated, “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is in international waterways all over the world, and that’s the way we expect it’ll be here.”
Memorandum of Understanding
A memorandum signed between the United States and Iran acknowledges Iran’s partial control over the strait. The agreement, involving Oman as well, suggests cooperative administration of the waterway. Although a commitment was made not to charge any tolls for 60 days, no stipulations were set for the period after that.
Iran has expressed a desire to levy charges on ships passing through the strait, discussing possibilities with Oman. Iranian officials claim these would be fees for services, a description that shipping analysts have criticized as a mere play on words.
International Reactions
President Trump expressed opposition to any tolls on the strait in a social media message, stating they should only be imposed by the United States. Rubio, however, refrained from commenting directly on Trump’s statement.
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