US Rejects Any Fees on International Waterways at GCC Talks

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Manama: The United States has rejected any proposal that would allow countries to charge fees for the use of international waterways, as senior US and Gulf officials met in Bahrain for talks on regional security and stability.

Speaking at a joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States, Marco Rubio said no country has the right to impose tolls or charges on international shipping routes. He warned that such measures could create instability and would not be acceptable under any future agreement.

Rubio also reaffirmed that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a key US objective. He said any future agreement with Tehran must include verifiable measures to ensure that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons.

The US Secretary of State added that Washington remains open to diplomacy and continues to pursue an agreement that addresses major security concerns while supporting regional stability.

The meeting brought together GCC foreign ministers and US officials to discuss regional developments, maritime security, freedom of navigation and other issues affecting the Middle East.