Iranian state television reported on Saturday that European countries have initiated talks with Tehran regarding the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire following the outbreak of war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance on February 28.
European Negotiations with Iran's Revolutionary Guards
According to state TV, European nations have begun negotiations with the Revolutionary Guards navy to obtain permission for passage through the strategic waterway. The report did not specify which European countries are involved. This follows similar arrangements with East Asian nations, including China, Japan, and Pakistan.
Iran's Control over the Strait
Since the conflict began, Iran has largely blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies. In peacetime, the strait handles roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, along with other key commodities. Iran's grip on the waterway has rattled global markets and provided Tehran with significant leverage.
The United States has responded by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8, but tensions remain high.
Recent Passage Granted and Toll Collection
In recent days, Iran has allowed passage for dozens of ships, including those from China, after agreements on Iran's strait management protocols, according to the Revolutionary Guards. Iran has repeatedly stated that maritime traffic through the strait will not return to its pre-war status. Last month, Tehran announced it had received its first revenue from tolls imposed on the waterway.
New Traffic Management Mechanism
On Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security commission, stated that Iran has prepared a professional mechanism to manage traffic through the strait, which will be unveiled soon. He emphasized that only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will benefit from this mechanism, and necessary fees will be collected for specialized services.
Azizi also noted that the route will remain closed to operators of the so-called 'freedom project,' a reference to a temporary US military operation aimed at guiding stranded commercial ships through the strait.
