<2> France and Italy Open Talks with Iran in Hope of Securing Safe Hormuz Passage
<3> European Efforts to Restart Energy Shipments Amid Iran’s Threats
The European Union’s two largest economies, France and Italy, have initiated talks with Iran in an effort to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The move comes as Iran’s new supreme leader, Ebrahim Raisi, has vowed to keep the strait shut, jeopardizing global energy supplies.
<4> The Strait of Hormuz, which is approximately 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, is responsible for transporting around 20% of the world’s oil, with the majority of it passing through Iranian territorial waters. The strait’s importance cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital artery for international trade and commerce.
<5> The European Union, which relies heavily on imported oil and gas, is keenly aware of the potential consequences of a Hormuz blockade. In response, France and Italy have taken the lead in engaging with Iran, with the aim of finding a mutually beneficial solution that would ensure the safe passage of energy shipments.
<6> “We are working closely