ROME — Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, informed him that Tehran is holding talks with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, offering a rare public glimpse into diplomatic efforts surrounding one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
The ministers also discussed Lebanon, with Tajani saying Iran has a crucial role to play in halting Hezbollah’s military activities.
Why it matters: Tajani’s statement is the first public indication from Italy that Iran is negotiating with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.
- The waterway is critical to global trade and energy flows, making freedom of navigation a strategic priority.
- Rome is positioning itself in favor of diplomatic de-escalation while maintaining contacts with regional actors.
The big picture: According to Tajani, Araghchi briefed him on negotiations between Iran and Oman aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Italian foreign minister said he reiterated the need to continue dialogue in order to reach a political solution to the crisis, including through engagement with the United States, and to avoid further escalation.
- Tajani also stressed that freedom of navigation through the strait must be guaranteed “without tolls or restrictions,” describing it as essential for regional stability and the global economy.
Zoom in: Lebanon. The conversation also focused on Lebanon.
- Tajani said he hopes negotiations currently taking place in Rome will produce concrete results to consolidate the ceasefire and pave the way for a broader agreement.
- He added that he told Araghchi Iran has “a crucial role” in stopping Hezbollah’s military actions.
What they’re saying: “My Iranian counterpart illustrated the negotiations Iran is conducting with Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic,” Tajani said after the call.
- “I reiterated the importance of continuing dialogue to rapidly reach a political solution to the crisis, including with the United States, and avoid further escalation.”
- “It is essential to guarantee full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without tolls or restrictions, in the interest of regional stability and the global economy.”
Between the lines: The statement highlights Italy’s effort to keep diplomatic channels open with Tehran while publicly emphasizing two priorities: preserving freedom of navigation in the Gulf and encouraging political solutions to regional crises.
- By linking Hormuz and Lebanon in the same conversation, Tajani also underscored Rome’s view that maritime security and broader Middle East stability remain closely interconnected.
What we’re watching: Tajani did not provide details on the Iran-Oman negotiations or indicate a timeline for reopening commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Whether those talks lead to tangible progress is likely to be closely watched given the strategic importance of the waterway for global shipping and energy markets.
