European countries reportedly in talks with Iran for Hormuz transits

May 20 ------ Iranian state television reported that several European countries were in discussions with Tehran regarding ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the report, negotiations with the navy of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards began after vessels from East Asian nations including China, Japan and Pakistan were granted passage through the strategic waterway. However, the broadcaster did not identify the European countries involved.

Iran has largely restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the war involving the United States and Israel erupted on 28 February. Although a fragile ceasefire has been in effect since 8 April, Tehran’s control over the vital maritime route has continued to unsettle global markets and strengthen its strategic leverage. At the same time, the United States has maintained its own naval blockade on Iranian ports.

To remind, on 16 May, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, said Iran “has prepared a professional mechanism to manage traffic” through the strait, adding that it will be unveiled soon. “In this process, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will benefit from it,” he noted, adding that the necessary fees will be collected for specialized services.

Source: safety4sea.com