US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that while there is positive progress in negotiations with Iran, Tehran's demand to charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains unacceptable. Speaking ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara scheduled for July 7-8, Rubio characterized the meeting as one of the most significant gatherings of leaders in history.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that foreign media outlets have released details regarding the Secretary of State's remarks. Rubio highlighted that US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the response of certain NATO allies regarding operations in the Middle East, noting that these issues require discussion at the leadership level.
Regarding military movements, Rubio referenced US President Donald Trump's recent announcement on deploying troops to Poland, clarifying that such moves are part of a strategic review of global commitments rather than punitive measures. "This is not a punitive step, but simply an ongoing process. This was the case even before all these recent reports and tensions. I believe this process will continue in a very positive and productive manner, and we can make decisions in cooperation with our allies," Rubio stated.
On the nuclear issue, the Secretary of State reaffirmed the US position that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. "The basic principles remain unchanged. This regime must never acquire nuclear weapons, and to achieve this, we must resolve the issue of enrichment, specifically high-level enriched uranium," Rubio added. He further condemned Iran's attempt to establish a payment system for the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of international law that sets a dangerous global precedent. According to Rubio, allowing such a system would encourage other nations to make similar illegal demands in international waters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes daily. International maritime law generally provides for the right of transit passage for all vessels through straits used for international navigation. The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara is expected to focus heavily on regional security, the alliance's southern flank, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, reflecting Azerbaijan's interest in regional stability and the protection of international energy corridors.
