Rubio: Iran Will Not Be Allowed to Charge Tolls in Strait of Hormuz Under Any Final Deal with US

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Iran will be barred from charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz as part of any final agreement with the United States, asserting such an arrangement would violate international law.

This statement comes as Oman and Iran agreed to advance discussions regarding the administration of navigation and associated maritime services within the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Following talks in Muscat, the two nations announced the formation of a joint working group from their foreign ministries to continue these deliberations. They also plan to consult with other littoral states and relevant parties.

The initiative appears to fulfill a provision from a recent memorandum of understanding. This agreement calls for Iran to engage in talks with Oman and other nations concerning the future management of navigation and maritime services in the vital waterway, crucial for global oil transport. The discussions were announced after a visit by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

Oman and Iran, the two countries bordering the strait, jointly reaffirmed their dedication to guaranteeing safe passage through the waterway, adhering to international law while emphasizing their sovereignty over territorial waters. The strait has seen limited commercial shipping since February due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran, which led to a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports after Iran began impeding passage through the strait. Both nations reiterated their commitment to maintaining the strait as a secure and open route for international navigation, promoting maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.