Rubio: Hormuz tolls would make Iran deal unfeasible; cites good signs

Thursday, May 21, 2026Developing

Politics Desk

What we know

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that any Iranian plan to impose a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz would make a diplomatic deal "unfeasible," calling the scheme unacceptable, illegal, and a threat to the world as he left Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida for a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden. Rubio also pointed to "good signs" and "some progress" in talks mediated with regional partners, while cautioning against over-optimism and stressing that President Donald Trump has "other options" if a good deal cannot be reached.

At the White House, Trump said of Hormuz, "We want it free; we don't want tolls," and took a firmer line on Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, saying the United States would recover and likely destroy it rather than leave it under Iranian control. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that no deal had been reached but that gaps had narrowed, with uranium enrichment and control of the strait still among the stickiest points.

What's confirmed

AP/Times of Israel: Rubio on Florida tarmac Thursday — Hormuz tolls "unfeasible" / "unacceptable" / "completely illegal"; "good signs" in talks (AP/Times of Israel).
AP/The National: Rubio says Trump prefers a good deal but has other options if diplomacy fails; heading to NATO talks in Sweden (AP/The National).
AP/Straits Times: Trump rejects Hormuz tolls and says the U.S. will get Iran's highly enriched uranium; strait framed as an international waterway (AP/Straits Times).
Reuters (via Times of Israel/Straits Times): Iranian source — no deal yet; gaps narrowed; uranium and Hormuz control remain sticking points (Reuters).

What's still developing

Whether Pakistani and other regional mediation in Tehran can close gaps on Hormuz and uranium.
Whether Trump extends the diplomatic pause or turns to military options if talks stall.
How NATO allies respond as Rubio raises the Iran file in Sweden.

Sources

AP News — Rubio says Iran's plan to toll Strait of Hormuz would make deal 'unfeasible' link
The Times of Israel — Rubio says Iran talks show 'good signs,' but Hormuz tolls would make deal 'unfeasible' link
The National — Rubio says toll system in Strait of Hormuz would make deal 'unfeasible' link
The Straits Times — US and Iran still at odds on key issues, but Rubio sees some 'good signs' link