Rubbo says US and Gulf states oppose any Hormuz transit fees

MANAMA, Bahrain — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on June 26 that the United States and Gulf countries oppose any transit fees on ships and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a press conference in the Bahraini capital, Rubio said the U.S. administration has not taken any decision that would weaken stability and security in the Gulf, and that Washington would remain in contact with Gulf partners whose interests would be included in the process. Rubio said President Donald Trump has made clear that such a fee will not be implemented, describing U.S. support for Hormuz transit charges as zero. He did not specify which party had proposed the fees. The secretary accused Iran of backing armed groups in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and Gaza, saying Tehran's affiliates interfere in the sovereignty of states and undermine regional stability. He argued that genuine peace cannot be achieved as long as Iran-funded non-state actors remain active, and said ongoing negotiations are aimed at curbing those networks. Rubio added that Trump has multiple decisive options should Iran fail to reach an agreement or honor its commitments, but said those options would not be discussed in the media. No further details were immediately available.