Rubio blocks Iran tolls on Strait of Hormuz as US, Iran back exit plan

Washington's hard line on transit fees complicates ongoing negotiations with Tehran, even as a UN-backed evacuation of sailors signals a path toward de-escalation in the critical energy chokepoint.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-06-23 21:55 UTC · 1 min read

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected any proposal for Iran to charge tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the channel an international waterway that must remain open to global trade.

The statement underscores Washington's refusal to legitimize any Iranian attempt to monetize access to the narrow passage, which handles roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply.

The diplomatic friction emerges as the US and Iran appear to be backing a broader exit plan aimed at stabilizing the region.

According to reports, the United Nations is preparing to evacuate 11,000 sailors from the Strait of Hormuz, a move that signals a coordinated effort to reduce military presence and lower tensions in the corridor.

This development suggests that while political posturing continues, operational steps are being taken to normalize shipping conditions.

For energy markets, the rejection of tolls removes a potential long-term cost headwind for oil shipments, though the immediate risk premium in Brent crude may persist until the evacuation plan is fully implemented.