The U.S. draws a red line in Iran regarding freedom of navigation, amid critical talks on a regional agreement.
The geopolitical tension in the Persian Gulf is returning to the forefront, as Washington imposes clear restrictions on Tehran’s demands for control of one of the world’s most important maritime arteries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Abu Dhabi, where he began his tour of the Gulf states, emphasized that free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a matter of international navigation and not a subject for unilateral economic claims, while at the same time linking any future settlement with Iran to broader commitments regarding security in the region. These statements come at a particularly critical juncture, as the U.S. are attempting to reassure their allies in the Gulf following recent military tensions and to establish the framework for a potential agreement that would address both navigation and stability in the Middle East.
Specifically, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran will not be able to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of any final agreement with the U.S., saying that such an arrangement would violate international law.
Ultimatum
“This is an international shipping lane. No country is allowed to collect tolls or fees on an international shipping lane,” Rubio told reporters, noting that he believes “all countries in this region would agree with us.”
The head of U.S. diplomacy arrived tonight in Abu Dhabi, the first stop on a tour of Gulf countries, aimed at reassuring U.S. allies who were struck by Iranian missiles and drones during the war with Iran, a conflict they opposed.
Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. Secretary of State confirmed that the memorandum of understanding with Iran would be discussed during the talks.
“This will certainly be discussed during these talks,” he told reporters when asked if he would seek to reassure his Gulf allies, who have been hit hard by Iran’s retaliation for the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
“Certain points not included in the memorandum of understanding will undoubtedly be discussed, but the memorandum itself must definitely be reviewed,” he said.
He added that “a careful reading of the memorandum of understanding clearly shows that when we speak, for example, of a complete and definitive cessation of hostilities throughout the region, this is not possible as long as Iran’s proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq and engaging in terrorist acts, as Hamas and Hezbollah have done.”
The U.S. secretary will meet with Emirati officials tomorrow, Wednesday, before traveling to Kuwait, and then to Bahrain for the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on Thursday.
