Italian FM stresses Hormuz dialogue in call with Iranian counterpart

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday urged continued dialogue to resolve the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as Tehran and Muscat negotiate the reopening of the vital shipping lane amid ongoing regional tensions.

Call for political solution

Tajani said on X that Araghchi had briefed him on negotiations between Iran and Oman aimed at reopening the strait to commercial traffic. “I reiterated the importance of continuing the dialogue to swiftly reach a political solution to the crisis, including with the United States, and to avoid further escalations,” he said. “It is essential to ensure full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without tolls or restrictions, in the interest of regional stability and the global economy,” Tajani added.

Lebanon and regional security

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Lebanon during their conversation. “I hope that the ongoing negotiations in Rome will yield concrete results to consolidate the ceasefire and reach a general agreement,” Tajani said, reaffirming Italy's commitment to promoting dialogue and security in the Middle East.

US interference claims

Iranian media recently reported that Tehran was close to reaching an understanding with Muscat on a new navigation corridor, provided the US stopped interfering in the negotiations. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused Washington of seeking to influence the talks and delay an agreement through military threats. The negotiations stem from a memorandum of understanding signed by Iran and the US on June 18 to end a war that began Feb. 28 following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.