Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that officials from Gulf countries voiced uniform opposition to establishing any tolls or fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, following meetings held in the region.
"One thing that came across very clear is there is zero support, zero support among the Gulf countries for any sort of toll or fees or anything that charges for the use of international waters," Rubio told reporters in Bahrain. He added that "fees and tolls are the same thing" and described a tolling scheme for the strait as not workable.
Rubio characterized his discussions in the Gulf as productive and reiterated that the United States will not take actions that undermine its regional partners. He said that Oman specifically informed participants that it does not favor a toll on the Strait of Hormuz, according to his remarks.
Iran-related talks and conditions
On matters concerning Iran, Rubio said a memorandum of understanding with Iran addresses interference in other countries. He emphasized that U.S. scrutiny is on Iranian actions rather than rhetoric, and he said Iran's system continues to be led by radical clerics. Rubio added that if Iran directs funds to proxy groups, any agreement would be ineffective.
Rubio confirmed that Vice President Vance is leading negotiations with Iran, a detail he said signals the seriousness attached to the discussions. He also noted that President Trump retains multiple options if talks do not produce the desired results.
Other regional issues and humanitarian response
Rubio said the United States is monitoring recent incidents between Israel and Lebanon and that it is close to reaching an initial agreement between the two countries. Separately, he said the U.S. will contribute search and rescue assistance to Venezuela as part of a whole-of-government response following recent earthquakes.
The secretary's comments covered both security and diplomatic threads arising from his Gulf meetings. He conveyed the positions relayed to him by Gulf partners and outlined the parameters the U.S. is applying as it navigates negotiations and regional contingencies.
Rubio's statements in Bahrain emphasized clear opposition from Gulf states to monetizing passage through international waters in the Strait of Hormuz, while also underscoring ongoing attention to Iran's behavior, cross-border incidents in the Levant, and humanitarian needs in Venezuela.