US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that any final agreement with Iran must exclude the right to charge tolls or fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement, reported by Times of Israel, underscores Washington’s refusal to legitimize Iranian control over the critical chokepoint, even as diplomatic talks continue.
The hardline stance maintains a layer of geopolitical uncertainty for energy markets.
While oil prices have eased recently as tanker traffic resumed through the strait, the rejection of tolls signals that underlying tensions remain unresolved.
Traders are likely to view this as a constraint on any near-term de-escalation narrative, keeping a risk premium embedded in Brent crude and shipping rates.
Rubio’s comments come amid broader disputes over nuclear inspections and missile programs, which have already exposed strains in the negotiation process.