European states open talks with Iran over Strait of Hormuz ship transit

Several European countries have reportedly begun negotiations with the naval forces of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the passage of their commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's IRIB reports.

The talks intensified after ships from China, Japan, and Pakistan recently transited the strategic waterway under arrangements with Iranian authorities.

“Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect along the entire stretch from the southern part of Hormuz Island to the southern exit near Lark Island,” the IRIB correspondent said..

European governments have now joined discussions with the Iranian Navy regarding navigation and transit procedures through the narrow shipping corridor, which handles a significant share of global oil and gas exports.

The report did not specify which European countries are involved in the negotiations, nor did it provide details about the nature of the proposed arrangements.

By Sabina Mammadli