Iran-U.S. Updates: Iran strikes vessel in Strait of Hormuz amid debate over “transit fees”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s final stop in the Gulf region Thursday came at a meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which released a lengthy joint statement with the U.S. agreeing on all points with the American objectives in Iran.

“The Ministers welcomed the June 17 memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between the United States and Iran and recognized the important mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar,” the statement said. “They stressed the need to maintain momentum and unity as negotiations proceed toward a more permanent end to hostilities and the shared objective of preventing Iran from ever developing or otherwise acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

The six members of the GCC include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

“The Ministers further emphasized that lasting regional peace and security requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran’s threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region,” according to the joint statement.

The statement also included comments on tolls being charged in the Strait of Hormuz, a plan Iran has not ruled out following the cessation of the current 60-day pause. Oman, as Rubio earlier said, dismissed charging vessels passing through the strait between the two countries.

“The Ministers also emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting that free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation, including the right of transit passage as guaranteed under international law, remains essential to regional and global security,” the statement said.