U.S. Secretary of State Says No Country Should Accept Iranian Tolls in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a NATO press conference in Sweden that no country should accept Iranian tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio identified Iran’s position on the strait as a major issue requiring attention.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a vessel was approached by a small craft carrying five people 98 nautical miles north of Yemen’s Socotra island. The vessel’s armed security team fired warning shots, causing the small craft to change course. UKMTO said authorities are investigating the incident.

Mark Rutte told reporters that the alliance is reducing reliance on a single ally. Rutte said European allies are increasing defense spending to meet shared requirements and to give the United States greater flexibility on other priorities. Rutte noted that European allies have provided access to military bases under bilateral commitments and are assisting in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the measures are needed to defend against adversaries.

Iranian media reported that the United States and Iran are exchanging messages and draft proposals through mediation. Pakistani officials are engaged in mediation activity between the two countries, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there were some good signs for a possible breakthrough. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could take very drastic action if Iran refuses to give up its uranium stockpiles. Mohamad Elmasry of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies said the United States and Israel remain divided over resuming military action against Iran.

Elmasry said both Washington and Tehran have indicated some positive momentum in talks. Elmasry said Iran has established a measure of control over the Strait of Hormuz and is discussing a formal mechanism with Oman. He added that China has signaled willingness to pay an administrative fee and that other countries may follow.