Secretary of State Marco Rubio Urges Global Coalition to Block Iranian Proposals for Permanent Maritime Tolling in Strait of Hormuz

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that Iran's plan to toll ships in the Strait of Hormuz is "illegal" and urges a global coalition to confront the threat.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 10:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from AFP

Diplomatic Mobilization Against Iranian Maritime Extortion

The United States has initiated a high-level diplomatic campaign to preempt Iranian efforts to monetize one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Speaking from Le Bourget Airport following a G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Tehran is preparing to impose a permanent tolling system on all vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This move is seen as a retaliatory escalation following a month of U.S.-Israeli military strikes. Rubio emphasized that such a fiscal barrier to international waters is not only a violation of maritime law but a direct provocation that requires a unified global strategy to dismantle before it becomes a post-war reality.

Building a Multinational Coalition for Free Navigation

Washington is actively seeking "buy-in" from international allies to form a coalition dedicated to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and fee-free. According to Rubio, the strategy involves encouraging the nations most affected by energy disruptions to take the lead in operational planning, with the United States providing necessary logistical and military support. The Secretary highlighted that there is significant consensus among G7 partners regarding the "unacceptable" nature of the tolling proposal. By framing the issue as a collective economic threat rather than a bilateral dispute, the U.S. aims to distribute the burden of regional security across a broader array of global stakeholders.

The Strategic Role of British Leadership in Maritime Defense

In the development of this counter-tolling initiative, the United Kingdom has emerged as a primary partner for American interests. Rubio noted that Britain has played a "prominent role" in drafting the framework to oppose Iran's financial demands on shipping. This coordination reflects a long-standing Anglo-American commitment to maritime security and suggests that the Royal Navy may play a central role in any future escort missions or enforcement actions. The collaboration aims to provide a credible deterrent against Iranian naval forces that have already partially closed the waterway, which typically handles one-fifth of the world's daily oil transit.