Iran weighs allowing European mine-clearing in Strait of Hormuz

Iran is considering allowing European countries to participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential shift in its position that could form part of an agreement to restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway and advance negotiations with the United States, Bloomberg reported, citing diplomats and sources familiar with the talks.

According to Bloomberg, Tehran has publicly insisted that it would not permit foreign countries to take part in demining efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. However, diplomats familiar with recent private discussions said Iran has softened its stance in talks held over recent weeks.

The report said the participation of European countries could provide additional security assurances for shipping and insurance companies after more than five months of conflict.

According to Bloomberg, several conditions would need to be met before such a plan could be implemented. Iran would have to guarantee the safety of vessels participating in mine-clearing operations, the ceasefire would need to remain in place, and the proposal would require approval from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which controls a significant share of operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bloomberg's sources said there is no consensus within the Iranian leadership on the proposal. Some members of the IRGC believe that only Iranian forces should be responsible for clearing sea mines.

A draft agreement on resuming negotiations between the United States and Iran has already been prepared and conveyed to the parties through Qatar.

By Sabina Mammadli