European countries in talks with Iran over shipping transit through strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions - DETAILS

Iranian state media has reported that several European countries are currently in talks with Tehran over the transit of commercial ships through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

According to the report, after vessels from East Asian countries including China, Japan, and Pakistan were allowed to pass through the waterway, European nations have now also begun negotiations with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces to secure passage rights. However, the report did not specify which European countries are involved in these discussions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a large share of global oil and goods shipments. Since the escalation of conflict involving the United States and Israel on February 28, maritime movement through the strait has been significantly restricted. Iran has reportedly tightened control over shipping in the region during this period of heightened tensions.

Despite the restrictions, a fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8, which has helped ease some of the immediate military pressure, although uncertainty in the region continues to affect international shipping routes and global energy markets.

In a related statement on Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, said that Iran has developed what he described as a 'professional mechanism' to manage maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the system is expected to be officially unveiled in the near future.

Azizi further stated that under this framework, only commercial vessels and parties that cooperate with Iran will be permitted to use the route. He also noted that service fees would be collected in exchange for providing specialised transit arrangements and navigation support through the waterway.

Importantly, he clarified that the passage would remain closed to operators linked to the so-called 'freedom project,' a reference to a temporary United States-led naval initiative designed to escort stranded commercial ships safely through the strait during periods of heightened tension.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital passageway for global trade, and any restrictions or negotiations surrounding it continue to draw international attention due to their potential impact on oil supply chains and shipping stability worldwide.