US Secretary of State Rubio: Iran’s MoU Not Final Deal, Strait of Hormuz Fees Unacceptable

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported on a successful meeting with Persian Gulf countries, where regional concerns were discussed. Rubio emphasized that no tolls will be levied for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Continuing his critical stance on Iran, Rubio alleged that Iran’s support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen constitutes interference in the internal affairs of those countries. He added that the United States is monitoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that Persian Gulf nations do not support the imposition of tariffs or tolls in the waterway. Rubio firmly stated that accepting payment for ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz under any circumstances is out of the question, noting that Oman has also confirmed its non-endorsement of such charges.

Rubio confirmed that no funds have been transferred to Iran to date and that no such agreement has been reached. He also clarified that the creation of an Iranian reconstruction fund was not discussed during the meeting with Persian Gulf states. He described the memorandum of understanding with Iran as a preliminary framework for negotiations rather than a definitive accord.