Upon leaving France after the latest Group of Seven (G7) ministers’ meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued strong remarks condemning Iran’s proposed tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Rubio emphasized the need for international cooperation to secure the strategic waterway while reiterating U.S. concerns over civilian safety in the West Bank.
Standing on an airport tarmac on Friday, Rubio addressed reports that Iran plans to implement a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
“One of the immediate challenges we’re going to face is in Iran, when they decide that they want to set up a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz,” Rubio said. “Not only is this illegal, it’s unacceptable. It’s dangerous for the world, and it’s important that the world have a plan to confront it.”
Rubio urged G7 countries and Asian partners to participate in securing the strait, noting that while the U.S. is willing to help, allies must take active responsibility.
The planned toll system would require ships to request permission from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and pay a fee for passage. Rubio warned that allowing this system to persist would violate international and maritime law.
US achievements and war status
Rubio echoed President Donald Trump’s assessment that the US-Israel operations against Iran are progressing as planned, claiming objectives such as destroying Iran’s naval and missile assets are on track. He emphasized that these goals are being pursued without the deployment of ground troops.
Addressing settler violence in West Bank
Rubio also commented on the rising violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Footage this month has shown homes and vehicles set on fire, and UN estimates indicate that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, including a significant number of youths.
“Well, we’re concerned about that, and we’ve expressed it. I think there’s concern in the Israeli government about it as well,” Rubio said. He suggested that the Israeli government may take steps to curb the violence, while critics argue authorities have largely turned a blind eye.
