Secretary of State Says Iran Cannot Charge Tolls in Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Iran would never be able to charge tolls through the Strait of Hormuz because the waterway is an international passage where such fees are prohibited. Rubio made the remarks when asked whether the United States could secure freedom of navigation through the strait.

"Well, that's the law," he said. "It's an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. The meeting was called for under the fifth clause of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. That clause directs Iran to conduct dialogue with Oman to define future administration and maritime services in the strait, in line with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.

The clause states that collection of tolls will be forbidden for 60 days only.

Iranian officials have interpreted the clause to allow tolls after the 60-day period, possibly through a joint Iran-Oman maritime service. U.S. officials have rejected that interpretation. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that there will be no tolls during the 60-day ceasefire period and none afterward unless imposed by the United States.

Vice President JD Vance has echoed this position during negotiations. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud said the management of the strait worked without issues before the conflict and that the Iranian position does not make sense.