US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday strongly criticised the ongoing developments in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that international shipping routes must remain free and accessible without additional charges. Speaking to reporters while travelling to New Delhi for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to global maritime traffic without tolls. He argued that the current situation was unacceptable and claimed that Iran was the only country supporting such a system.

“The strait must stay open without toll charges. What’s happening there is unlawful, unsustainable, and unacceptable. No other nation supports this tolling approach apart from Iran,” Rubio stated. Addressing ongoing diplomatic discussions with Tehran, Rubio indicated that progress was being made toward a possible agreement. He revealed that US President Donald Trump recently held discussions with several regional leaders and suggested there was broad agreement on the outline of a preliminary framework.

“The President had important conversations with leaders in the region, and there seems to be strong alignment on what the initial draft could look like. It may take a few more days to finalise,” he said. Rubio also made it clear that Washington would only move forward if the proposed agreement met its expectations. “Either there will be a strong deal, or there won’t be any deal at all,” he added.

The US Secretary of State arrived in Delhi on Tuesday to participate in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He was accompanied by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Before reaching the national capital, Rubio visited Jaipur on Monday along with his wife Jeanette Rubio and Ambassador Gor. During the visit, the delegation toured the historic Amer Fort as part of Rubio’s four-day official trip to India, which is focused on strengthening bilateral ties amid recent diplomatic challenges.

Sharing glimpses from the visit on X, Ambassador Sergio Gor described Jaipur as a city where “every sunset paints the palaces in shades of rose and gold,” calling it the cultural heart of Rajasthan. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue over a potential ceasefire and broader nuclear agreement. President Donald Trump recently stated that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would either be transferred to the United States for destruction or eliminated under international supervision at an agreed location.

Trump said the process could take place in coordination with Iran and under observation by relevant atomic energy authorities. His remarks suggested a possible softening in Tehran’s position as both sides continue negotiations. According to a CNN report citing a US official, the presence of senior Iranian negotiators in Qatar on Monday was viewed positively by Washington. Qatar has reportedly been playing a key mediating role in facilitating talks between the two countries. Trump has repeatedly maintained that any future agreement with Iran must be “great and meaningful,” warning that the US would walk away if the final terms fail to meet American expectations.