U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no fees will be charged for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that no country has the authority to impose taxes or tolls on ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Speaking after a meeting with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Rubio said that GCC member states had opposed the imposition of toll taxes on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz.
He further said that any disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would constitute a violation of the agreement. Rubio added that the proposed agreement with Iran would also include provisions to safeguard the security of Gulf allies.
The U.S. Secretary of State noted that Gulf countries had expressed several serious concerns during the discussions. However, he clarified that no talks were held with the Gulf states regarding a reconstruction fund for Iran.
Rubio also described Iran’s support for proxy groups in the region as an obstacle to peace.
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Commenting on transatlantic security, Rubio said that the refusal to provide military bases had weakened the U.S.-Europe alliance, adding that the threat posed by Iran was greater for Europe than for the United States.
He reiterated that every possible effort would be made to ensure the success of an agreement with Iran.
