"They cannot normalize who gets to use international waterway": Rubio warns against Iran's Hormuz toll setup
Washington DC, May 21
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning against Tehran's recent maritime manoeuvres, declaring that Washington will not tolerate any attempt by Iran to control or monetise access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The warning comes amid reports that Iran is discussing a permanent toll arrangement with Oman for ships transiting the Hormuz, a move Rubio characterised as a direct threat to global trade and freedom of navigation.
In an interview with Fox News, the top US diplomat heavily criticised Iran's efforts to regulate vessel movement through the key maritime corridor, asserting that Tehran cannot "normalise" a system where ships require Iranian approval or payments to pass through the route.
Stressing the status of the passage, Rubio remarked, "If what they mean by opening the Straits is 'Yes, the straits are open as long as you coordinate with Iran. Get our permission, or we'll blow you up and pay us.' That's not opening the Strait. That is an international waterway."
He further underlined the international community's stance against unilateral oversight of the global chokepoint, adding, "They cannot normalise, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalise, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway and how much you have to pay them to use it."
These sharp remarks from the US administration follow escalating maritime tensions in the Gulf after Iran reportedly imposed transit fees on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic channel serves as a vital energy artery, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. According to Iranian state media, proceeds from the newly instituted fees have already been transferred to the country's central bank accounts.
In a bid to institutionalise its oversight of maritime traffic through the channel, Tehran is also said to be in talks with Oman to establish a formal toll mechanism.
The unfolding situation has sparked serious concern among global powers. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump stressed the "urgent need" to restore normal shipping activity through the Strait, warning that prolonged disruptions could severely impact global energy markets and the wider economy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a classic case of unilateral brinkmanship. Iran sees an opportunity to fund its economy and project power, but playing with maritime law is dangerous. The Strait of Hormuz isn’t just for oil—it’s for global stability. Rubio’s warning is necessary, but will it deter Tehran?
I get the outrage, but let’s be real—the US has been policing global waters for decades. Iran’s move is reckless, but so is the idea that only the West can control strategic chokepoints. India imports a lot of oil through Hormuz, so we need a balanced approach, not just fire and brimstone statements.
This is a direct threat to global energy security. The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil—if Iran starts charging tolls, it’s not just a political crisis, it’s an economic one. Fuel prices in India could spike if this escalates. The international community must act decisively before it’s too late.
While Rubio is right to condemn this, I feel the US often picks and chooses when to defend international law. Iran’s move is illegal under UNCLOS, but so are many US sanctions that hurt developing nations like ours. We need a multilateral solution here, not just unilateral warnings from Washington. 😤
Looks like Iran is testing the waters, literally! But this is no joke—if Hormuz becomes a toll gate, the whole Indian Ocean trade could be disrupted. We must support freedom of navigation but also push for dialogue. War in the Gulf
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.