Marco Rubio Warns Iran Against Hormuz Transit Toll, Says US Europe Troop Review Not Punitive

Stockholm: Marco Rubio has strongly opposed any move by Iran to impose transit tolls in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, calling such a step “unacceptable” and warning that it could create a dangerous global precedent.

Speaking during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said no country should accept restrictions or charges on passage through one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.

He cautioned that if Iran succeeds in implementing such a system in the Strait of Hormuz, similar demands could emerge in other critical waterways across the world. Rubio also noted that the route is crucial not only for NATO nations but also for countries across the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Secretary of State further alleged that Iran is attempting to persuade Oman to support the proposed toll arrangement.

Rubio highlighted that a resolution backed by Bahrain is currently being discussed at the United Nations Security Council. According to him, the resolution has received an unprecedented number of co-sponsors, although some member states are reportedly considering vetoing it.

He said the United States is working to build broad international consensus to prevent any disruption to free navigation through the strait and expressed hope that the UN would deliver a meaningful outcome on the issue.

On the ongoing talks with Iran, Marco Rubio said there has been “some movement” in negotiations, though he avoided overstating progress. He reiterated Washington’s position that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and stressed that uranium enrichment remains a central issue in the discussions.

Rubio also addressed the United States’ review of its military presence in Europe, clarifying that the move should not be seen as a punitive measure against NATO allies.

He explained that the US regularly reassesses troop deployments due to its global security commitments and said the review process would continue in coordination with allied nations.

Calling the upcoming NATO leaders’ summit potentially one of the most significant in the alliance’s history, Rubio acknowledged concerns expressed by the US President regarding some NATO allies’ responses to American operations in the Middle East. He added that these issues would likely be discussed at the leadership level in future meetings.

With inputs from IANS