U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected Iran's proposal to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in diplomatic rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
The dismissal comes as broader negotiations between the two nations remain deadlocked, with significant disagreements persisting over Iran's nuclear program and regional security arrangements.
The renewed friction underscores the fragility of the current geopolitical equilibrium in the Persian Gulf.
By explicitly ruling out the acceptance of Iranian tolls, the U.S. administration signals that it will not legitimize Tehran's leverage over one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.
This stance maintains pressure on Iran while keeping the threat of shipping disruptions alive in market calculations.
Financial markets are absorbing the latest developments with caution.