1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 22:20 IST
France and Italy are in talks with Iran for safe passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a media report. However, Italy denies the claims.
Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz. (File Image: Reuters)
France and Italy have initiated talks with Iran seeking to negotiate a deal to guarantee safe passage for their commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, Italy has denied the report.
The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for around one-fifth of the world’s oil trade, came to a near-standstill amid the escalating conflict in West Asia following the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
France is one of the European nations engaged in discussions with Iran, while Italy had sought to make contact with the Iranians, said the report.
An Italian source denied the report, emphasising there is no under-the-table negotiation underway with Tehran.
“In their diplomatic contacts, Italian leaders want to favour the conditions for a general military de-escalation, but there is no under-the-table negotiation aimed at preserving only some merchant ships at the expense of others," an Italian source said, as quoted by Reuters.
French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted France had channels of communication with Iran that are still open. However, they didn’t confirm or deny the report.
France is continuing to deploy about a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz as part of defensive support to its allies that came under the retaliatory attacks launched by Tehran.
Iran Threatens To ‘Set Ablaze’ Ships
Ever since the US-Iran war began last month, large oil tankers have remained stranded as Iran announced it would block the strait.
With the mounting tensions in the region, Tehran threatened to “set fire" to any ships going through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission. As a result, the channel which carries more than 20 per cent of the world’s daily oil demand flows came to a halt.
First Published:
March 13, 2026, 22:20 IST
News world France, Italy In Talks With Iran For Safe Passage Of Commercial Ships Through Strait Of Hormuz: Report
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