U.S. official Marco Rubio said that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway where no state has the right to impose transit fees [1].
The assertion targets the stability of one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints. Any attempt to restrict free navigation or monetize transit could destabilize global energy markets and jeopardize diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
Rubio made the comments May 12, 2026 [1], during a joint ministerial meeting between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain [2]. He said that imposing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz would obstruct any potential agreement with Iran [3].
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said that the U.S. and China have agreed not to allow the imposition of navigation fees across the strait [4]. The spokesperson said that any attempt by Iran to charge for maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with total rejection [5].
While some reports characterize the warning as a general rule for all nations, other sources indicate the warnings are specifically directed at Iran [6]. The U.S. position emphasizes that the strait must remain open to all international shipping to ensure regional security, and economic flow.
The joint meeting in Bahrain served as a platform for the U.S. to reinforce its commitment to freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. By coordinating with GCC members and referencing an understanding with China, the U.S. seeks to create a multilateral front against the potential restriction of the waterway [4].
“the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway where no state has the right to impose transit fees”
The U.S. is leveraging multilateral diplomacy, including a reported alignment with China, to prevent Iran from utilizing the Strait of Hormuz as economic or political leverage. By defining the strait as an international waterway exempt from fees, the U.S. aims to protect global oil shipments and remove potential friction points that could derail future diplomatic negotiations with the Iranian government.
