Trump Drops Strait of Hormuz Toll Threat as Rubio Cites Progress in Iran Peace Talks

President Donald Trump has stepped back from an earlier threat to impose tolls on ships using the Strait of Hormuz, as his administration continues to push for a deal to end the war with Iran. At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there were “good signs” in the talks, even as the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman remains one of the biggest obstacles to a breakthrough, according to reporting from Bloomberg and The Independent.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas traffic. Any disruption there can quickly raise energy prices and ripple through international trade, which is why the U.S. has pressed for the strait to remain open. Bloomberg reported that Iran has been considering some form of tolls or transit charges for vessels moving through the chokepoint, while U.S. officials have argued against any restrictions and want freedom of navigation preserved.

The latest diplomatic push comes after weeks of fighting and mounting pressure on both sides. According to The Independent, Tehran says the gap between its position and Washington’s has narrowed, but major disagreements remain, especially over the strait and over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials have said they are reviewing the latest U.S. proposal, while also insisting on conditions that include sanctions relief and security guarantees.

Trump’s comments suggest Washington is trying to keep the option of a negotiated settlement alive even as it maintains military pressure. In recent days, the president has signaled that he is willing to give diplomacy more time, a shift from earlier threats of direct strikes. Rubio’s upbeat tone, described in the reporting as a sign that negotiators are making progress, underscores the White House’s desire to present the talks as active and potentially productive.

Still, the underlying disputes are significant. Iran wants recognition of its rights and relief from economic punishment, while the U.S. has sought limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and a more open maritime corridor through Hormuz. Those unresolved issues help explain why both sides are still talking but have not yet reached a final agreement.

For now, the latest reports point to a delicate moment: there are signs of movement in the talks, but the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint. Any deal would affect not just Iran and the United States, but also global energy markets, Gulf states, and shipping companies that depend on one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways.