Rubio Rejects Iranian Transit Fees in Strait of Hormuz as Cargo Ship Attacked

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has forcefully rejected any Iranian attempt to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the US wants a final agreement with Iran but "not at any price." Source: excelsiormx The statement came during a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Bahrain, amid heightened tensions after a cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile near the strait.

Attack and Evacuation Suspension

On Thursday, a cargo vessel was hit by a projectile of unknown origin in the Gulf of Oman after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Source: diariolibree The attack prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend a plan launched two days earlier to evacuate around 600 ships blocked in the Gulf since the conflict began. Source: excelsiormx

The US Position on Fees and Nuclear Red Lines

Rubio emphasized that international waterways do not belong to any state, and allowing Iran to collect fees would lead to "total chaos." Source: larepublicaco He characterized the proposed charges as "a game of words" and insisted that no country has the right to impose tolls on international shipping. Source: infobae Separately, the US reaffirmed that a final agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, with robust verification measures. Source: eldiado

Regional Reactions and Broader Concerns

Oman, which shares the strait with Iran, announced it does not support any transit fees and is working on a "temporary maritime corridor" in coordination with the UN. The GCC members stated that any accord must address Iran's ballistic missile program and support for armed groups—issues not currently included in the preliminary protocol signed on June 17. Rubio assured allies that no deal would undermine their security. The attack also drove oil prices up after they had fallen to pre-war levels.