Rubio Warns Hormuz Strait Fees Could Spread to Other Waterways

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Thursday that Iran's practice of imposing fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz could expand to other international waterways, potentially creating a state of complete chaos. Speaking at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Rubio emphasized that international waterways do not belong to any single nation and that allowing such a precedent would undermine the fundamental principles of the modern world.

"If we truly accept that money can be charged for using an international waterway simply because it lies near your territory, this practice will spread across the world like an infection," Rubio cautioned. He stressed that the United States seeks a peace agreement with Iran but is not willing to pay any price for it.

"We want a good agreement, a real agreement, a verifiable agreement, and an agreement that is upheld," Rubio said. He also assured that the interests of Gulf states will be considered, adding that no part of any agreement should endanger US partners in the Persian Gulf region.