U.S. Secretary of State says regional allies reject any proposal to charge ships for using one of the world’s busiest energy corridors
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Gulf Arab states are united in opposing any proposal to impose transit tolls on commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring Washington’s determination to preserve free navigation through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
Rubio made the remarks at the conclusion of a diplomatic tour of the Gulf, where he met leaders from Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) following the recent U.S.-Iran framework agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict.
His comments come as Iran continues to push for greater oversight of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting Tehran is exploring mechanisms that could require vessels to pay fees for security or transit services. The proposal has drawn strong opposition from the United States and Gulf nations, which argue that international shipping lanes must remain open and free from unilateral charges.
Gulf states reject transit fees
Speaking after meetings with Gulf leaders, Rubio said there was broad agreement across the region that commercial vessels should not face new charges for transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Rubio, Gulf governments view freedom of navigation as essential to global energy markets and international trade. He stressed that any attempt to impose mandatory tolls could disrupt shipping, increase transportation costs and undermine confidence in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil exports, making it indispensable to global energy supplies. Any changes to its management are closely watched by governments, shipping companies and financial markets.
U.S. warns against unilateral action
The Trump administration has consistently opposed any move that would allow Iran to levy fees on vessels passing through the strait.
U.S. officials argue that international law guarantees the right of transit passage through international straits and that no single country should be able to impose unilateral charges on commercial shipping.
Washington has previously warned regional partners, including Oman, against participating in or facilitating any toll collection system, cautioning that such arrangements could face U.S. sanctions or other measures.
Rubio reiterated that the United States remains committed to ensuring the free flow of commerce through the waterway and would continue working with allies to safeguard maritime security.
Iran seeks greater control
Iran has maintained that it has the right to regulate navigation through waters under its jurisdiction and has argued that additional security measures are necessary following months of military confrontation in the Gulf.
Iranian officials have proposed charging ships for services related to security, environmental protection and navigation management, saying the revenue could help maintain the safety of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The proposal follows months of heightened tensions that saw repeated attacks on commercial vessels, temporary shipping disruptions and increased insurance costs for companies operating in the region.
Maritime security remains fragile
Although commercial traffic has gradually resumed following the recent ceasefire framework between Washington and Tehran, maritime security remains uncertain.
The United Nations recently suspended an operation to escort and evacuate stranded commercial vessels after a cargo ship was struck near Oman, highlighting the continued risks facing shipping in the region. Shipping companies and insurers continue to monitor developments closely as they evaluate whether conditions are safe enough to fully restore normal operations.
Industry analysts warn that even limited disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz can have far-reaching consequences, driving up shipping costs, increasing oil price volatility and affecting global supply chains.
Reassuring Gulf allies
Rubio’s Gulf visit was aimed in part at reassuring regional allies that the Trump administration’s diplomatic engagement with Iran would not come at the expense of their security.
While Gulf leaders publicly welcomed continued U.S. consultations, they also emphasized that any final agreement with Tehran must address broader regional concerns, including Iran’s missile program, support for proxy groups and maritime security.
A joint statement issued after Rubio’s meetings reaffirmed a shared commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, protecting freedom of navigation and maintaining stability throughout the Gulf.
Looking ahead
The debate over possible transit tolls has become another major issue in negotiations over the future security architecture of the Gulf.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Washington and its regional partners are expected to maintain pressure for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that open access is essential for global commerce and international energy security.
With oil shipments gradually returning to pre-conflict levels but security concerns persisting, the future management of the strategic waterway is likely to remain a central issue in U.S.-Iran negotiations and wider Middle East diplomacy.
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