New Delhi : US Vice President JD Vance has said Iran has assured Washington that it does not intend to impose a toll on commercial vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, while cautioning that the United States will assess Tehran’s actions rather than rely solely on its assurances.

The comments come as Washington and Tehran continue discussions aimed at restoring safe commercial navigation through the strategically vital waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance said the US expects oil and gas shipments from the Gulf to return to pre-conflict levels. He also said Washington wants firm assurances that commercial vessels will not be targeted while passing through the strait.

Vance identified maritime security as one of the biggest challenges to reopening the route, pointing to the reported presence of mines in the region. He said clearing potential mines would be an important part of establishing a safe shipping system.

At the same time, Iran has laid out several conditions for restoring normal traffic through the waterway. Tehran has demanded an end to what it describes as US threats, a permanent halt to the conflict, the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and the withdrawal of American forces from the region.

Iran has also called for compensation for war-related damage, the removal of sanctions and the unconditional release of frozen Iranian assets.

The negotiations have gained further urgency following an incident involving a commercial tanker linked to the United Arab Emirates. The UAE said a vessel belonging to state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was targeted while travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, adding to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping.

Vance has stressed that Washington wants a clear commitment from Tehran that commercial vessels will be allowed to transit the waterway without being attacked.

Separately, Iran has indicated that it is close to reaching an understanding with Oman regarding navigation and the management of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran has made clear that any agreement with Oman would not by itself remove its broader conditions for reopening the waterway.

With the strait remaining a critical route for global energy supplies, the outcome of the negotiations could have significant consequences for oil markets, shipping costs and international trade.