U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz must be open without any tolls [1].
The statement addresses a critical flashpoint in global maritime security, as the waterway between Oman and Iran serves as a primary artery for the world's energy supplies. Any restriction or cost imposed on navigation in this region could trigger significant economic instability and increase international tensions.
Rubio characterized the current situation regarding the waterway as an affront to international norms. He said the strait needs to be open without tolls and described the current state of affairs as "unlawful, illegal, unsustainable, and unacceptable" [1].
According to Rubio, the imposition of such fees is an outlier in global maritime practice. He said no country in the world is acceptable of a tolling system except Iran [1]. The Secretary of State said the international community cannot sustain a system where a single nation dictates financial terms for passage through a strategic global corridor.
While the remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic discussions, Rubio signaled that the U.S. remains committed to ensuring the freedom of navigation. He said that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened "one way or the other" [2].
This assertion underscores a firm U.S. position against the legitimacy of Iranian claims to toll the waterway. By labeling the tolls as illegal, the U.S. administration reinforces its stance that maritime law protects the right of innocent passage through such straits—a position that often conflicts with Tehran's regional assertions of control [1], [3].
“"The strait needs to be open without tolls."”
The U.S. is signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward Iranian attempts to monetize or restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz. By framing the issue as a matter of international law and sustainability, the administration is preparing a legal and potentially military justification to ensure the waterway remains open, regardless of Iranian opposition.
