US Rejects Iranian Tolls on Strait of Hormuz

ABU DHABI: (Web Desk) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington would not accept any Iranian tolls or fees on the Strait of Hormuz, as differences over the strategic waterway, nuclear inspections, and missile programs emerged during early negotiations aimed at ending the recent Middle East conflict.

According to international media reports, Washington and Tehran have signed a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities and completed a first round of talks in Switzerland. The agreement opens a 60-day negotiation period focused on sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear program, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz.

During the conflict, an Iranian blockade significantly disrupted maritime traffic through the strait, triggering a sharp rise in global oil prices. However, shipping activity has gradually increased since the ceasefire agreement was reached.

Iran and Oman said in a joint statement that they would review the administration of the trade route and assess charges for services provided in the waterway, while reaffirming their sovereignty over the strait.

Speaking during a regional tour in the United Arab Emirates, Rubio insisted that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that no country has the right to impose tolls or transit fees. He added that other countries in the region would likely share the same position.
Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that the Strait of Hormuz “will never return” to its pre-war status, despite agreements to establish communication channels aimed at keeping the route open.
Separately, the International Maritime Organization announced plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded by the blockade after securing safety guarantees from Iran, Oman, and the United States.

Pakistan and Iran Unite Against ‘Spoilers’, Commit to Lasting Regional Stability

Maritime tracking data showed that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since the conflict began on Monday. However, activity remains at just over 40 percent of normal peacetime levels, which typically average around 120 vessels per day.