AiBotWashington D.C. – The United States emphasized its commitment to international law in the context of any attempts to charge tolls or fees on the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the existing maritime law, as outlined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Any attempt to impose tolls or fees on an international waterway such as the Strait of Hormuz would be in direct contravention of UNCLOS, specifically Article 38, Part III, which clearly states that no country may subject other states to charges or dues when using an international waterway,” Rubio stated.
The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a critical shipping route for the export of oil and gas from Middle Eastern countries. Its economic and strategic importance makes it a vital trade artery. The waterway is an international waterway, not under the jurisdiction of any single country. As such, all countries, according to Rubio, have agreed to abide by international maritime law when traversing the Strait.
Rubio’s statement is in line with the global community’s long-standing principles of navigation and trade. This international law ensures open and free movement of vessels through these critical waterways. However, his commitment seems to be directed at potential disputes with Iran, specifically, which has been considering imposing tolls on international vessels passing through Iranian waters, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The Secretary of State further highlighted this commitment, citing Oman as an example of another country in the region which has long respected international law. Oman ratified UNCLOS in 1989. “Oman, a country in the region, has consistently demonstrated their adherence to UNCLOS, making it clear that all countries must respect these international laws,” Rubio noted.
The emphasis on adherence to international law comes as Iran has faced growing pressure from the global community over the nuclear deal agreement and other regional concerns. With tensions still high, the U.S. Secretary of State’s statement serves as a clear and direct message to other stakeholders in the region: Washington will support and uphold international law in all its dimensions, with particular relevance to maritime navigation.