France and Italy Open Talks With Iran Over Hormuz Passage

France and Italy have opened diplomatic talks with Iran in an effort to secure safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

The discussions aim to ensure European vessels can navigate the strategic waterway safely as the conflict in the region disrupts global shipping and energy flows.

The strait is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, with roughly a fifth of global oil shipments normally passing through it.

European officials are seeking to restart energy shipments from the Gulf while avoiding further escalation in the conflict, though it remains unclear whether Iran is willing to reach an agreement.