U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a firm stance against Iran, stressing that Washington will absolutely not accept any conditions that would allow Iran to control or impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio told Fox News on Monday (27 Apr) that if Iran's idea of "opening the strait" means ships must seek permission or pay Iran to pass through, then it is not truly an open passage. He emphasized that the U.S. will not allow Iran to set a new standard determining who can use this route and how much they must pay.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global strategic route, with about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas trade passing through it, making any movements in the area directly impact global energy security.
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump convened a meeting of his National Security advisory team to discuss Iran's proposal, which reportedly could reopen the Strait of Hormuz while advancing broader negotiations related to Tehran's war activities and nuclear program.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the proposal is under consideration but declined to disclose whether President Trump would accept it, reiterating that the U.S. red lines toward Iran have always been clear.
Meanwhile, U.S. media outlets Axios and ABC News reported, citing sources, that Iran's proposal does not yet align with Washington's key conditions, especially sensitive issues concerning the nuclear program.
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