The EU is discussing with Iran the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
14 March 05:09
Several European countries are holding preliminary talks with Tehran on an agreement that would guarantee the safe passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
This was reported by the British newspaper Financial Times (FT), citing sources familiar with the discussions, which aim to resume energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, according to [Komersant].
According to two unnamed officials, France is participating in the negotiations. One of them noted that Italy has also attempted to initiate discussions with Tehran on this issue. At the same time, both sources emphasized that there are no guarantees that the negotiations will take place or that Iran is even willing to discuss this topic.
Italy denies negotiations with Iran, France remains silent
The Italian government denied reports of negotiations with Iran on the same day. No “bilateral negotiations or direct contacts with Iran regarding ensuring the passage of Italian ships through the Strait of Hormuz” have taken place, sources close to the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the dpa news agency.
Sources in the Italian Foreign Ministry indicated that diplomatic efforts are aimed at “creating conditions for joint military de-escalation, but no behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at preserving only certain merchant ships at the expense of others are taking place.”
The Élysée Palace did not respond to a request for comment from dpa. French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that Paris is ready to participate in escorting ships if the conflict subsides.
Fears of rising energy prices due to the blockade of the strait
European governments are concerned that supply disruptions caused by the prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to further increases in energy prices for businesses and households, exacerbate the continent’s economic problems, and increase the burden on national budgets, the FT notes.
Earlier, Italy, France, and Greece deployed their warships to the Red Sea as part of the EU’s Aspides naval mission. However, according to the publication’s sources, no European fleet is yet ready to escort ships through the strait due to fears of conflict escalation.
There is no unity within the EU regarding negotiations with Iran
According to one official, a number of European countries have opposed attempts to establish dialogue with Iran. He did not specify which countries were involved. “Some believe we need to talk to the Iranians. But [EU countries] have very different views on this, which complicates the situation,” the source noted.
According to British officials, the UK is not conducting direct negotiations with Iran regarding access to the strait. However, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is discussing the issue of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of oil with the Gulf states.
