A top US diplomat reiterates support for a British demand that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remain toll-free, amid ongoing uncertainty around the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for maritime traffic linking the Persian Gulf and wider international trade, and it remains a potential flashpoint in US-Iran relations. Multiple reports say the remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue discussions, with the wider regional situation influencing expectations for trade and security in the area. The outlets also highlight that uncertainty persists around how tensions could affect access to the route. In this context, the diplomat’s comments align with the UK position that fees or tolls should not be imposed for passage. While the reports do not provide detailed figures or specific timelines, they converge on the same core points: the Strait of Hormuz is central to the security and economic interests involved in US-Iran diplomacy, and the US response is consistent with calls to keep the waterway toll-free.