(Investing) – Italy is not conducting negotiations with Iran to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Italian vessels or oil tankers, an Italian foreign ministry source said on Friday.
The statement contradicts a report published by the Financial Times suggesting such talks were taking place.
“In their diplomatic contacts, Italian leaders want to favour the conditions for a general military de-escalation, but there is no under-the-table negotiation aimed at preserving only some merchant ships at the expense of others,” the source said.
Earlier reports indicated that Italy and France had engaged in discussions with Tehran regarding the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait serves as a critical passage for oil and LNG tankers and has remained effectively closed since the start of the U.S. and Israel war against Iran.
The Italian foreign ministry source emphasized that while Italy seeks to promote conditions for broader military de-escalation through diplomatic channels, no specific agreements are being pursued to protect select merchant vessels.
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