"They cannot normalize who gets to use international waterway": Rubio warns against Iran's Hormuz toll setup

Washington DC [US], May 21 (ANI): 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)