MANAMA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States would not accept the idea that the Strait of Hormuz belongs to any single country, emphasizing that no nation has the authority to impose tolls or fees on international waterways.
Addressing foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, Rubio noted the importance of freedom of navigation in the most strategically important shipping lanes in the world.
“We will not accept the concept that the Strait of Hormuz is the property of any particular country,” said Rubio. “No country can charge tolls or fees in international waters.”
US Secretary of State added that technical teams of the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet again in Switzerland on June 30 in connection with the nuclear program of Iran and international sanctions against the country.
Iran was once again told by Rubio that it is the policy of Washington not to let Iran possess any nuclear weapons.
“We want an agreement with Iran, but not an agreement at any cost,” he remarked.
With regards to regional issues, Rubio highlighted the fact that the talks involving Lebanon and Israel have continued, and assured the US’s commitment towards promoting peace in the region.
He also emphasized that the reason behind his trip to the region was to thank the US’s allies in the region for their support, friendship, cooperation, and partnership.
The Strait of Hormuz is a very important international shipping passage, which is transporting a considerable portion of oil and gas in the world and thus freedom of navigation through the water passage is of international importance.
