Rubio insists Strait of Hormuz will remain toll-free during Gulf visit

Marco Rubio arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday at the start of a Gulf tour aimed at calming regional unease over a tentative U.S.-Iran agreement, with the future of the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the dispute.

The reported framework would reopen the vital shipping lane, pair sanctions relief with follow-up nuclear talks within 60 days, and keep the waterway open without tolls or unilateral passage fees. Rubio has reiterated that the strait cannot be turned into a pay-to-pass route, a position AP said reflects the U.S. view that international law bars tolls on the waterway.

Diplomatic Reassurance

The visit is meant to steady Gulf partners that remain wary of what the agreement does not settle. The talks come after years of tension over Iran’s regional role and are intended to reduce the risk of disruption in one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

Coverage said Rubio is using the trip to reassure the UAE and other Gulf states that the U.S. wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and predictable for commercial shipping.

What Is Being Disputed

The immediate dispute is over who, if anyone, can set transit terms for ships moving through the strait. Reporting says Iran and Oman are discussing maritime management of the waterway, while the U.S. insists no tolls or unilateral fees can be imposed.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Al Busaidi, has been quoted as saying the route should remain toll-free and safe for passage. That stance aligns with the U.S. position, even as questions remain about Iran’s role in any future operating arrangement.

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil shipping chokepoint, and any tolls or access restrictions could affect energy flows far beyond the Gulf.

Gulf governments are also watching for what the reported agreement leaves unresolved, including Iran’s missile program and proxy activity. Those issues are not described as settled in the current framework.

What Comes Next

Rubio is expected to continue meetings with regional leaders as the Gulf tour proceeds.

Negotiations over the strait’s operating terms are expected to continue between Iran and Oman, while the follow-up nuclear talks are due within 60 days under the reported deal framework.