US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of attempting to establish what he described as an illegal “toll system” in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions over one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. Rubio warned that any move to impose transit fees, permits, or oversight on international vessels could undermine future diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran and further destabilize the region following months of conflict.

Speaking amid growing international concern over shipping disruptions, Rubio said no country should be allowed to control access to an international waterway or profit from global navigation. He criticized reports that Iran was seeking coordination mechanisms and payments from commercial ships moving through the strait, arguing that such measures violate principles of free maritime movement. According to Rubio, any attempt to monetize passage through the corridor would make broader agreements between the United States and Iran increasingly difficult to achieve.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively shut to normal commercial activity since the outbreak of war on February 28, with only a limited number of ships passing through despite a ceasefire that came into effect on April 7. The waterway is considered one of the world’s most significant energy transit routes, handling a major portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Prolonged disruptions have intensified concerns in global energy markets and raised fears of wider economic consequences if stability is not restored.

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Several Western nations have discussed measures to help reopen and secure the route, although many governments remain cautious about becoming directly involved in military operations in the Gulf region. Britain and France have reportedly expressed willingness to assist in safeguarding maritime traffic and policing the area, but both countries are understood to favor defensive and monitoring roles rather than offensive action. Diplomatic efforts continue to focus on maintaining a durable ceasefire while negotiations over regional security arrangements remain ongoing.

The United States is also backing a Bahrain-sponsored resolution at the United Nations Security Council that calls on Iran to halt what Washington describes as unlawful interference in maritime traffic. The proposal seeks international support for protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and preventing any unilateral restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The issue has become a major focus of global diplomacy as governments seek to avoid further disruptions to international trade and energy supplies.

Meanwhile, Germany is reportedly considering joining a UK-led coalition intended to secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. Any German naval deployment would require approval from the German parliament and would likely depend on whether the ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries remains in place. The possibility of additional European involvement highlights growing international concern over the security of one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors and the broader geopolitical risks posed by instability in the Gulf region.

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