US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning that Iranian attempts to levy tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz could precipitate widespread disruption across global shipping lanes.
Speaking in Manama, Rubio cautioned that such measures would not remain isolated, arguing that the precedent could encourage similar demands at other critical chokepoints, ultimately risking "total chaos" for international commerce.
The remarks underscore Washington's firm opposition to any unilateral restrictions on the narrow waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply.
Rubio reiterated that the Strait is an international waterway that must remain open to global trade, rejecting any proposal that would allow a single nation to monetize or control passage through the corridor.
This diplomatic escalation comes as shipping activity in the region shows signs of stabilization.
Recent reports indicate that half of the South Korean vessels previously stranded in the Strait have successfully exited, suggesting a temporary normalization of transit conditions.