The United States and Iran are engaged in a public spat over the future use of the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States would not accept any tolls on shipping in the strait. Iran had previously announced its intention to charge so-called maritime service fees for passage.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important waterways. About one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through the strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Any disruption to shipping would have severe consequences for global energy markets.
Alongside the dispute over transit fees, talks between Israel and Lebanon are taking shape. The negotiations are expected to take place in the United States. A specific date has not yet been set.
Source: www.dw.com
