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The United States on Wednesday rejected any Iranian attempt to impose tolls or fees in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling early friction in fragile negotiations aimed at ending a wider conflict in the Middle East and reshaping maritime security in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a regional tour in the United Arab Emirates, said Washington would oppose any move to monetize passage through the international shipping lane. “This is an international waterway. No country is allowed to impose tolls or fees on international waterways,” Rubio said, according to AFP. He added that he expected regional partners to share that position.
The remarks underscore growing tension in U.S.-Iran diplomacy after the two sides completed an initial round of talks in Switzerland and opened a 60-day negotiating window covering sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear program and the future governance of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has repeatedly insisted it will retain full sovereignty over the chokepoint, through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passes.
In a joint statement Tuesday, Iran and Oman said they would examine potential frameworks for managing commercial traffic and service-related fees while reaffirming sovereignty over the strait. Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned the waterway “will never return to the status quo ante” before the conflict, though he acknowledged parallel efforts to maintain open communication channels during talks.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking during a visit to Pakistan, said Iran would not compromise on its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile program, which Tehran views as central to national defense.
“Without missiles, Iran would face the same fate as Gaza,” Pezeshkian said, according to AFP. “Iran will never negotiate with anyone, under any circumstances, at any time, over its defensive capabilities.”
Pakistan, acting as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington, has emphasized that preliminary agreements do not include restrictions on Iran’s missile program. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said there must be “no double standards” regarding which countries are permitted to maintain such arsenals.
The diplomatic push comes amid parallel regional developments, including maritime coordination efforts led by the United Nations to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors affected by shipping disruptions in the Gulf.
Officials said evacuations would proceed in coordination with Iran, Oman and the United States following safety assurances.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly surged in recent days, reaching its highest level since the onset of hostilities, according to two tracking platforms.
The uptick reflects cautious optimism among shipping operators despite unresolved security concerns.
Elsewhere, U.S. officials said Rubio’s regional tour aims to consolidate support among Gulf allies as negotiations continue. At the same time, indirect talks involving Israel and Lebanon are also underway in Washington, underscoring the broader scope of diplomatic efforts tied to the conflict.While discussions continue on maritime security and sanctions relief, Iran has signaled that its ballistic missile program will remain off the negotiating table, a position that could complicate efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement within the 60-day framework.