U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected the prospect of any country charging tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a stance that underscores Washington's commitment to maintaining free flow in the world's most vital energy chokepoint.
Speaking from the United Arab Emirates, Rubio made the remarks during the opening leg of a three-nation tour of Gulf states, aimed at alleviating regional anxieties following a recent agreement intended to end the war with Iran.
The comment directly counters emerging narratives from Tehran regarding post-conflict maritime policy.
Iran's Parliament Speaker recently declared that the Strait would never return to its pre-war operational status, signaling a potential shift toward restricted or monetized access.
Rubio's intervention serves as a clear diplomatic signal that the U.S. will not tolerate such measures, which would disrupt global energy supplies and freight logistics.
This diplomatic push aligns with broader international resistance to tolling proposals.