Marco Rubio on Friday warned that no country should support Iran’s reported plan to introduce a “tolling system” in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued over maritime access and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Speaking before a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, Rubio accused Iran of trying to create a shipping fee mechanism for vessels using the strategic waterway. He also claimed Tehran was attempting to convince Oman to support the proposal.

Rubio said protecting free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remained a major international priority and criticised any move to impose transit charges on global shipping.

“There is not a country in the world that should accept that,” Rubio said.

Trump repeats warning to Iran

US President Donald Trump also took a tough stand on Iran during the ongoing dispute. Trump claimed the United States had “total control of the Strait of Hormuz with our blockade” and warned that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

“Iran will not get nuclear weapons or we’ll do something drastic,” Trump said.

He also repeated Washington’s demand that Iran should not keep its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which reports suggest was moved to underground facilities after joint US-Israeli strikes nearly a year ago.

“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump added.

Iran rejects US demands

According to reports citing Iranian sources, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected American demands to move the enriched uranium stockpile out of the country. The disagreement has reportedly complicated ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

Amid the deadlock, Rubio also mentioned Pakistan’s role in mediation efforts and said, “Hopefully that’ll advance this further.”

Iran and Oman discuss Hormuz transit fee plan

A report by The New York Times claimed that Iran has quietly discussed a proposal with Oman to impose transit fees on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said the talks included a possible revenue-sharing arrangement under which vessels using the route would pay fees, with Oman receiving part of the revenue.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes because a major share of global oil and energy supplies passes through the narrow waterway.

The proposal could trigger tensions with the United States, as Trump has repeatedly insisted that international shipping routes must remain open and unrestricted.

Oman reportedly warming to proposal

According to the report, Oman was initially cautious about the plan because of fears of global backlash. However, officials reportedly became more open to the idea after considering its possible economic benefits.

The discussions reportedly reflect broader efforts by Iran and Oman to develop an economic framework linked to the strategic maritime corridor, even as diplomatic negotiations and ceasefire efforts continue in the region.