US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed Washington's security commitment to Gulf allies, explicitly warning that no nation will be permitted to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement follows high-level meetings in Kuwait City with leaders from the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, where Rubio discussed the ongoing US-Iran diplomatic framework and regional defense coordination.
The assurance comes as markets continue to price in geopolitical risk associated with the critical waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of global oil consumption.
By ruling out transit fees or blockades, the US administration seeks to stabilize freight rates and energy supply chains that have faced volatility amid broader West Asian tensions.
The diplomatic push aligns with intensifying efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the conflict in the region, with Washington positioning itself as the primary guarantor of Gulf state interests.
For traders, the rhetoric serves as a counterweight to fears of supply disruption, though the underlying risk premium in energy and shipping sectors remains sensitive to developments in the Iran negotiations.