13.03.2026, 17:51
FT reported on the negotiations between France and Iran on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS France and probably some other European countries are trying to negotiate with Iran in order to obtain guarantees of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reports, citing sources. This is necessary for the resumption of energy supplies from the Persian Gulf.
According to the newspaper's interlocutors, France is one of the countries participating in the negotiations. Another source noted that Italy was also trying to start discussing this issue with Iran.
European capitals have begun these preliminary contacts in an attempt to restore oil and gas exports without widening the conflict, while shipping companies are counting on the possible escort of their tankers by the naval forces of Western countries, three sources told FT. However, according to them, "there are no guarantees that the negotiations will progress, and that Iran is generally ready to discuss this topic."
FT recalls that Italy, France and Greece have already deployed their military fleets in the Red Sea as part of the Aspides European naval mission to protect shipping. "But none of the European fleets is ready to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if there is a risk of attack, for fear of escalating the war... The situation should be acceptable," one of the newspaper's sources said.
In addition, a number of European capitals oppose initiatives to negotiate with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, the newspaper writes. "Some people think we need to talk to the Iranians. But the EU countries have very different views on this, which further complicates the situation," said one of the interlocutors of the publication.
Bloomberg, citing sources, also reported that Iran and some US allies are consulting through informal communication channels on lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to them, France is playing a leading role in the negotiations, while Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey are acting as mediators. According to the agency, Qatar refused to participate in the negotiations after it was attacked by Iran. Agency sources, however, assess these efforts as insufficient.
Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on March 12 that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to shipping. Earlier, Iran said that any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked. Since the beginning of hostilities, the strait has actually been blocked. This has contributed to a significant increase in energy prices.
According to the newspaper's interlocutors, France is one of the countries participating in the negotiations. Another source noted that Italy was also trying to start discussing this issue with Iran.
European capitals have begun these preliminary contacts in an attempt to restore oil and gas exports without widening the conflict, while shipping companies are counting on the possible escort of their tankers by the naval forces of Western countries, three sources told FT. However, according to them, "there are no guarantees that the negotiations will progress, and that Iran is generally ready to discuss this topic."
FT recalls that Italy, France and Greece have already deployed their military fleets in the Red Sea as part of the Aspides European naval mission to protect shipping. "But none of the European fleets is ready to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if there is a risk of attack, for fear of escalating the war... The situation should be acceptable," one of the newspaper's sources said.
In addition, a number of European capitals oppose initiatives to negotiate with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, the newspaper writes. "Some people think we need to talk to the Iranians. But the EU countries have very different views on this, which further complicates the situation," said one of the interlocutors of the publication.
Bloomberg, citing sources, also reported that Iran and some US allies are consulting through informal communication channels on lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to them, France is playing a leading role in the negotiations, while Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey are acting as mediators. According to the agency, Qatar refused to participate in the negotiations after it was attacked by Iran. Agency sources, however, assess these efforts as insufficient.
Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on March 12 that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to shipping. Earlier, Iran said that any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked. Since the beginning of hostilities, the strait has actually been blocked. This has contributed to a significant increase in energy prices.
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