Unbiased AI-powered news
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Tuesday that Iran is barred from charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz under international law. The statement follows a recent meeting between Iranian officials and Oman to discuss management of the waterway.
Washington ExaminerSecretary 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.
These outlets didn't split into competing frames — coverage was uniform.
Military.comNorth Korea commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon into its navy Tuesday at Nampo port. Kim Jong Un attended and outlined further plans for nuclear-armed surface ships. The move follows earlier tests and a damaged sister vessel.
vanguardngr.comNorth Korea commissioned the Choe Hyon destroyer on June 23 at the port of Nampo. Kim Jong Un attended and outlined plans to expand the navy with nuclear weapons and larger surface combatants.
France 24NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. The session occurs two weeks before the annual NATO summit scheduled next month in Turkey.